Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move aimed at fostering excellence, sustainability, innovation, and responsible practices within the nation’s vital solid minerals sector, the Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, is set to introduce the inaugural Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA).
The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 16, 2026, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will organize the event in collaboration with HSENations International, an organization widely recognized for its expertise in safety awards across Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Dr. (Mrs.) Esther N. Udo, Director of Investment Promotion & Mineral Trade, affirmed the Ministry’s strong support for SOMEA. She underscored the initiative’s direct alignment with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to promote best practices, encourage responsible mining, and elevate Nigeria’s solid minerals sector both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Udo further elaborated that SOMEA is designed to be a comprehensive platform. Beyond recognizing achievements, it will actively encourage innovation, technological advancements, ethical governance, and economic growth, while simultaneously prioritizing safety and sustainable development across the sector. The awards will also facilitate valuable opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and forge strategic partnerships to further enhance Nigeria’s burgeoning mining industry.
Femi Da-Silva, CEO of HSENations, expressed his gratitude to Minister Alake for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector for global relevance. “We are honored to partner with the Ministry to organize the first Solid Minerals Excellence Awards, aiming to promote best practices, sustainability, environmental care, and community engagement; to attract investments and talent, and enhance Nigeria’s global reputation in the sector,” Da-Silva stated.
He emphasized that “SOMEA is more than an award ceremony; it’s a catalyst for continued sector development by recognizing impactful work, celebrating innovation, raising awareness, and promoting continuous improvement. By recognizing sector leaders, we aim to inspire transformative growth and set a benchmark for others.”
Nominations for the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA) are now officially open, with the event slated for October 16, 2025, in Abuja, the Federal Capital City.
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