By: The nation online

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is set for a historic and defining moment as some of the nation’s responsible and innovative mining firms, industrial giants, policymakers, investors, and sector pacesetters are nominees for the maiden award night.

The event, organised in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, is generating major national attention as stakeholders in the mining ecosystem prepare for what is described as an influential recognition platform dedicated to advancing excellence, sustainability, innovation, leadership, and responsible mining in Nigeria.

The event holds on Thursday at Abuja Continental Hotel.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, will deliver the keynote at the gathering, which has attracted confirmations from top government officials and industry stakeholders.

The maiden SOMEA 2026 is sponsored by dGold (a Nigerian-based real-world asset tokenisation and digital infrastructure company) as Headline Sponsor, further reinforcing private sector confidence in the future of solid minerals.

Others include: Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation, Rebar Perfecta Limited, Titan Minerals.

Described as more than just an awards platform, SOMEA is positioning itself as a national movement aimed at celebrating transformational leadership, encouraging operational excellence, strengthening investor confidence, promoting sustainable mining, and supporting Federal Government’s diversification agenda.

The nomination has sparked excitement, as some of Nigeria’s most influential organisations made the shortlist.

Among top organisations nominated are: Dukia Gold, OMB Corporate Trust Limited, Kian Smith Trade & Co., African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, Segilola Resources Operating, Eta Zuma, Reber Perfecta, SAMA Technology, Sahel Resources and Trading, Bank of Industry, Wema Bank, Fidelity Bank, Kursi Investment Limited, Ceballos Investment, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Diamond New Energy, BUA Cement Plc, African Industries Group, Mosra Energy, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Southwest Bitumen.

The awards will also honour individuals whose leadership and contributions shape Nigeria’s mining industry.

Among them is Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, recognised as one of Nigeria’s pioneering women figures in indigenous mining and gemstone development.

According to Dr.  Alake, the event will serve as a catalyst for best practices, investment attraction and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading mining destination in Africa.

He said: “The ministry recognises the valuable platform it will provide stakeholders across the mining ecosystem to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements and forge partnerships that will further enhance the Nigerian mining industry.

“SOMEA serves as a catalyst for best practices, investment attraction and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading mining destination in Africa.”

According to the CEO of SOMEA, Femi Da-Silva, the emergence of such high-profile nominees reflects the growing momentum, innovation, investment opportunities, and transformational potential within Nigeria’s solid minerals ecosystem.

Industry observers have already described SOMEA 2026 as a major strategic platform capable of redefining recognition, collaboration, investment visibility, and operational standards within the Nigerian mining industry.