National experts from West Africa met in Lagos from October 28 to 30, 2026, to complete a final review of a draft revised ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its implementation matrix.
The Final National Experts Review Meeting was convened by the ECOWAS Commission to build regional consensus among Member States on an updated policy that, in the Commission’s framing, reflects current realities and emerging priorities in the mineral resources sector.
Delivering the opening address on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Amin Amidu Sulemani, the Director of Energy and Mines, Arkadius Koumoin, set out the case for revisiting the 2012 policy in light of evolving sectoral dynamics and the need to strengthen regional cooperation in mineral resource development.
The draft introduces additional priority areas beyond those in the existing framework, including critical minerals, the circular economy, mine-site security, gender and child labour, occupational safety, and enhanced environmental, social and governance principles.
Koumoin said the review exercise offered an opportunity to ensure the draft reflects “the updated consensus position of the Community on policy issues of currency in the mineral resources sector.”
The final text, as amended, is to be submitted for consideration by the 3rd Joint ECOWAS Mining and Hydrocarbons Sector Ministers Meeting, scheduled for the end of November 2026.
Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, welcomed participants and commended ECOWAS for its contributions to the development of the region’s mining sector.
He underlined the importance of the meeting given the need to update the 2012 policy to reflect current sectoral realities and emerging challenges.
The meeting forms part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to promote regional cooperation and integration, strengthen sustainable management of mineral resources, and accelerate socio-economic development across West Africa.
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