In Tokyo’s bustling conference halls, Nigeria made its case.
At the 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, sat down with President of the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Michio Daito.
He came with a clear mission: convince Japan that Nigeria stands ready for serious business in mining.
Japan Weighs The Risks
For Japan, the attraction looks obvious.
Its industries demand critical minerals, and Nigeria offers them in abundance.
Yet Daito struck a note of caution.
Additionally, he stressed that Japanese mining companies need more than geological surveys; they require firm assurances about power, infrastructure, and economic stability before they commit capital.
In response, Alake laid out Nigeria’s reforms.
Further, he explained that the government now dedicates electricity to industrial sectors, grants new tax incentives, and removes duties on mining equipment.
He added that Nigeria’s updated laws make it easier for investors to enter, operate, and exit without unnecessary hurdles.
However, to strengthen his case further, he introduced the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company (NSMC), a state-backed partner that actively takes equity stakes in projects and offers investors both confidence and accountability.
Path To Partnership
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However, the dialogue highlighted two different but complementary perspectives.
On one side, Japan calculated its risks with precision; on the other, Nigeria pushed reforms and opportunities with urgency.
While Daito demanded solid risk assessments, Alake countered by arguing that producing and processing minerals inside Nigeria lowers costs and increases profitability for Japanese firms.
Moreover, beyond JOGMEC, Alake also courted the attention of major trading houses.
Furthermore, he met Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Mitsui, who all signalled fresh interest in exploring Nigeria as a mining destination.
These conversations aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s wider talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which deepened the diplomatic tone of cooperation.
By the end of the meetings, both sides reached common ground.
They agreed to exchange technical information, strengthen engagement between JOGMEC and NSMC, and pursue a long-term strategic partnership.
Ultimately, Japan continues to weigh risks carefully, Nigeria has now planted the seed of trust — and Tokyo increasingly watches with interest.
