Lagos: The Energy and Mines Directorate is conducting a National Experts Meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 10th to 15th, 2025, to finalize the review of the Draft Revised ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Matrix (Revised EMDP, 2024). The gathering includes senior officials from ECOWAS Member States Ministries responsible for Mineral Resources Development, members of the ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines (EFEDCOM), and Commission staff.

According to African Press Organization, this marks the third National Experts Review Meeting focused on the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. The ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy and its Implementation Plan were initially adopted in February 2012 to fulfill Article 31.1 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, emphasizing the harmonization and coordination of natural resources policies among Member States. Furthermore, Article 31.2d of the Treaty requires Member States to coordinate their development and utilization programs for mineral and water resources.

Recognizing the dynamic factors influencing the sector and the policy’s duration of over twelve years, the ECOWAS Commission deemed it necessary to unite Member States to review and update their consensus on key policy issues in the mineral sector. The primary objective outlined in the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024, is to foster an efficient Mineral Resources Sector across the region.

The meeting serves as a platform for national experts and policymakers to engage in comprehensive discussions, share expertise, and refine the Draft Revised EMDP, 2024. The collective aim is to ensure that the updated policy framework aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, the African Mining Vision, and global best practices, while addressing the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities within the Community.