BALA WUNTI CALLS FOR NIGERIA’S CRITICAL MINERALS TO DRIVE JOBS, FACTORIES AND PROSPERITY


 

By Umar Umb


NEW YORK — The Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria, Bala Wunti, has called on the Nigerian Government to transform the country’s critical mineral resources into factories, jobs and sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerians.


Wunti made the call while speaking at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York, where he participated in a high-level panel discussion titled “Rare Currency: Critical Minerals in a Shifting Global Economy.” The summit was held alongside the United Nations General Assembly.


According to Wunti, Nigeria must avoid repeating the historical pattern of exporting raw resources and importing finished products at significantly higher costs.


He stressed that the country’s estimated 44 critical mineral types, including lithium, rare earth elements, nickel and cobalt, should become the foundation for domestic processing, manufacturing and industrial development.


“For half a century, Nigeria exported crude oil and imported refined petroleum products. That created poverty, not prosperity. We will not repeat that mistake with lithium and rare earth elements,” Wunti said, according to the report.


FROM MINERAL POTENTIAL TO INVESTABLE PROJECTS


Wunti identified the lack of reliable geological data and commercially structured projects as some of the major barriers limiting investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.


He explained that international investors do not invest simply because minerals exist underground; rather, they require clearly defined, commercially viable and bankable projects supported by credible geological data.


“The central issue is the difference between mineral potential and an investable project,” he stated.


He further highlighted the importance of reliable geological surveys, predictable regulations, adequate infrastructure, credible developers and clear routes to market in attracting private capital into the sector.


A NEW PATH FOR NIGERIA’S MINING SECTOR


Wunti also pointed to the Nigerian Solid Minerals Company as an important platform for converting Nigeria’s mineral resources into commercially viable investment opportunities.


He argued that the country must move beyond simply telling the world that Nigeria has minerals and instead present investors with clearly defined projects and credible commercial propositions.


“Investors invest in projects, not potential,” he said.


Wunti maintained that private capital would play a major role in developing critical mineral projects, while government’s responsibility should include reducing geological, regulatory, infrastructure and permitting risks.


JOB CREATION AND INDUSTRIAL VALUE


The WEC Nigeria CEO's intervention places strong emphasis on ensuring that Nigeria captures greater value from its natural resources by developing local processing and manufacturing capacity.


Rather than exporting raw minerals and importing finished products, he advocated an industrial model capable of generating employment, attracting investment and strengthening domestic value chains.


His message at the global summit reinforces the growing discussion around how Nigeria can turn its mineral wealth into tangible economic opportunities while positioning itself within emerging global critical-mineral supply chains.


Insight Tribune News

Abuja, Nigeria

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Woman Behind Clinical Excellence at FMC Birnin Kudu

Image
  By Umar Umb | Insight Tribune News In every successful institution, there are individuals whose dedication, professionalism, and leadership quietly drive progress and inspire excellence. At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kudu, one such personality is Dr. Halima Umar Ibrahim, a distinguished Consultant Paediatrician and Head of Clinical Services whose unwavering commitment continues to shape the standard of healthcare delivery within the institution. Healthcare is not merely about diagnosing illnesses and prescribing treatments; it is about compassion, leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. These qualities have become synonymous with Dr. Halima's name as she continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening clinical operations and improving patient care at FMC Birnin Kudu. As Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Halima occupies one of the most strategic positions in the hospital's management structure. Her responsibilities extend beyond administr...
Read more

Prof. Hadiza Abdullahi Usman Celebrates Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo on Inaugural Lecture and Send-Forth

Image
  The Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Prof. Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, has congratulated Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, CMD UMTH, on the occasion of his Inaugural Lecture and Send-Forth Ceremony. In her congratulatory message, Prof. Hadiza commended Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo for his outstanding service to both the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), describing his achievements as a source of pride. She further prayed that Allah SWT continues to bless him abundantly and reward his years of dedicated service to humanity. Her message reflects the spirit of professional camaraderie, appreciation and respect for excellence within the healthcare and academic community. Insight Tribune News Celebrating Excellence. Highlighting Impact.
Read more

FEC APPROVES FOUR KEY HEALTH INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE THE WELL-BEING OF NIGERIANS

  By Umar Umb | Insight Tribune News The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved four major health-related interventions aimed at strengthening Nigeria's healthcare system and improving the well-being of citizens across the country. Speaking to journalists after the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, , outlined the key decisions approved by the Council in support of the nation's health sector. According to the Minister, the approved interventions include: 1. Upgrade of the Kaltungo Snakebite Treatment Centre FEC approved the transformation of the Snakebite Treatment Centre in into the National Snakebite Research and Medical Centre, Kaltungo, Gombe State. The upgrade is expected to enhance research, treatment, training, and prevention efforts related to snakebite incidents, which remain a significant public health concern in many rural communities. 2. Approval of 10 CNG-Powered Mobile Blood Donation Cl...
Read more