Business
Nigeria’s focus on mining is beyond domestic reforms — Alake
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says Nigeria`s focus on mining is beyond domestic reforms.
Alake stated this at a news briefing ahead of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, themed `Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance`, on Friday in Abuja.
He said that in the last three years, the Federal Government had galvanised domestic reforms and policy initiatives to transform the mining sector.
“We are positioning Nigeria to compete globally and to be recognised as the mining investment destination of choice, leveraging on our vast mineral endowments, our improving regulatory environment and our commitment to sustainable development.
“ Under the Renewable Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, our ministry had pursued reforms aimed at improving transparency, de-risking investment and unlocking value across the mineral value chain,“ Alake said.
He said some of the key achievements included strengthening the Mining Cadastre Office for transparent licensing and establishing a new Solid Minerals Development Roadmap that focuses on democratisation, infrastructure and local content.
Alake listed other achievements to include the deployment of the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision Support System, development of a value-addition and diversification framework to promote local processing and job creation and the establishment of the Nigerian Mining Corporation.
“ There’s also the introduction of new guidelines for community development agreements, CDAs, to ensure that host communities benefit directly from mining activities in their environment,“ he said.
The minister said the 10th edition of the Mining Week promises to be the most impactful with about 100 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge mining technologies and equipment, and about more than 1,000 delegates and participants from within and outside Nigeria.
Alake said activities at the event would include high-level mining discussions and investment forums featuring global mining executives, financiers, and policy makers, stakeholders from around the globe.
“There is G2B, what we call government-to-business and B2B, which will be business to business networking and expanded investment pavilion highlighting Nigeria`s critical minerals, including Lithium, gold, tin and rare earth element, “ he said.
In his remarks, Mr Dele Ayankale, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the 10th edition of the mining week marks a decade of impact, innovation and collaboration in the solid minerals sector.
He said the platform had remained a catalyst for dialogue, reform and innovation, bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation.
According to him, Nigeria has witnessed significant strides in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, investment inflows and the adoption of modern technologies to drive sustainability.
On his part, Habeeb Jaiyeola, Partner and Head Mining Sector Business Development, PwC Nigeria ,said that the mining week had served as the foremost platform for shaping the conversation on Nigeria`s mining sector.
Jaiyeola said the event’s theme focuses on building investor-ready mining models, promoting local value addition, unlocking small-scale mining finance, and strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance standards in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Mining Week, holding from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15, is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.
Business
Pumpkin Property Introduces Nigeria’s First Starlink-Powered Housing Initiative
Pumpkin Property, a fast-growing real estate development firm committed to creating modern, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions across Nigeria, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that integrates high-speed satellite internet into its housing projects, redefining modern living standards in the country.
Under this initiative, homebuyers in selected Pumpkin Property estates will receive Starlink hardware, professional installation, and three months of complimentary high-speed internet subscription upon purchasing a home.
The initiative will initially be available in Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate located within Millennium City, Kaduna, as well as Pumpkin Homes located in Karsana, Abuja.
Pumpkin Property focuses on developing well-planned residential communities supported by essential infrastructure—including road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and modern utilities—while embracing innovative technology that enhances residents’ quality of life.
To support the rollout of this initiative, Pumpkin Property has entered into a collaboration agreement with Konga Online Nigeria Limited for the supply, installation, and technical support of Starlink hardware and related connectivity products across Pumpkin housing projects and real estate developments in Nigeria.
In addition, Pumpkin Property has partnered with TD Africa, an authorized distributor of Starlink solutions in Africa. Through this partnership, Pumpkin Property will have direct access to the latest Starlink hardware, including Starlink kits and accessories, ensuring reliable deployment within its estates.
Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The technology expands access to reliable internet in regions where traditional fibre or terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. As Elon Musk explained:
“Starlink is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to places where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.”
Speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Pumpkin Holdings Limited, Mr Oladeji Bamidele, emphasized the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern housing developments.
“Connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water in modern communities. By integrating Starlink technology into our housing developments, we are ensuring that our homeowners enjoy reliable high-speed internet from the moment they move in. This initiative reflects our commitment to building future-ready communities across Nigeria.”
By integrating satellite connectivity into its housing projects, Pumpkin Property is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate development in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for smart living communities.
Prospective homeowners and investors interested in the Starlink-powered homes at Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, and Pumpkin Homes in Karsana, Abuja, are encouraged to contact Pumpkin Property for further information on availability and purchase options.
Business
Safety First: Transcorp Hilton Abuja Stages Fire Drill
Transcorp Hilton Abuja has conducted its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and emergency preparedness within the facility.
The exercise, which took place on 19th February 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service. The simulation forms part of the hotel’s structured safety programme aimed at ensuring a high level of emergency readiness and effective coordination with relevant authorities.
Management of the hotel said the initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of guests and team members.
“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise forms part of our structured safety programme, designed to ensure a high level of emergency preparedness and effective coordination with relevant authorities,” the management stated.
The drill comes shortly after the hotel hosted its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion across its rooms and restaurants. The celebration, characterised by romance, entertainment and vibrant experiences, was warmly received by guests.
As preparations begin for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the management reassured guests of a safe, serene and memorable stay.
“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and apologise for any inconvenience the exercise may have caused,” the management added.
Business
NIA trains underwriters on NIIRA 2025, container insurance
The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commenced a two-day training workshop for underwriters on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.
According to a statement from NIA, the training is focused on Sections 75 and 76, as well as the Compulsory Container Insurance scheme.
The workshop, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to end on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 40 underwriters involved in container insurance, were participating in the training held at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the opening of the workshop, Director-General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale, said that insurance remained a critical pillar of national development and economic stability.
Odukale noted that a well-regulated and legally backed insurance industry, was essential for economic growth, investor confidence and the protection of the public.
She urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, adding that the training would strengthen professional capacity and improve effective implementation of compulsory insurance provisions for the overall benefit of the economy.
NAN reports that facilitators at the workshop include: Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Mr Soji Oni, Controller 1, Technical, NIA, Mr Owolabi Longe, Chief Executive Officer of Ironlink Communications, among others.
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