Nigeria Introduces EMERGE Grant To Strengthen Geological Research, Mining Investment

The federal government has introduced the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE) programme to strengthen geological research, boost mineral exploration and attract investment into Nigeria’s mining sector.
The initiative was launched in Abuja by the minister of solid minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake, as part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic diversification and industrial growth.
Speaking at the launch, Alake said the EMERGE programme is designed to improve the quality of geological data in the country, reduce risks for investors and promote value addition across the mining value chain.
According to him, the programme will also support efforts to transition Nigeria from raw mineral exports to local processing and industrial utilisation.
He explained that EMERGE will operate through three key pillars: mineral exploration, critical minerals development, and research and development.
Alake said the mineral exploration component will focus on generating reliable geological information to de-risk mining investments and encourage greater participation by private investors in the sector.
He added that the critical minerals segment will prioritise strategic resources such as lithium and rare earth elements, which are increasingly in global demand due to their importance in clean energy technologies and modern industrial production.
The minister further stated that the research and development pillar will provide funding support for geoscience and mineral-processing studies in universities and research institutions across Nigeria.
He said this would help strengthen local expertise, encourage innovation and promote the development of higher-value mineral products within the country.
“For the first time, government support is extending beyond mineral extraction to include the science, technology and innovation required to process minerals into higher-value products within Nigeria,” Alake said.
He noted that the programme is intended to cover the entire mining value chain, from early-stage exploration and geological studies to refining, beneficiation and industrial applications.
Alake disclosed that ongoing reforms in the sector have already begun attracting investor interest, including a proposed 1.5 million metric tonnes-per-year aluminium refinery project, which he described as one of the largest mining-related investments under consideration in the country.
He said the EMERGE initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal of improving geological data availability and unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The minister also assured stakeholders that grants under the programme would be awarded through transparent, competitive and merit-based processes, with independent experts involved in evaluating applications to ensure accountability and fairness.