About SOMMEDI

The Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMMEDI), Nasarawa State, is a specialized development institute of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) established to drive technological innovation, indigenous equipment development, and value addition within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

SOMMEDI was commissioned on 25th May 2019 by the then Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, alongside the former Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and the newly elected Governor, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule.

SOMMEDI’s core mandate is to develop indigenous technologies, machinery, equipment, and technical solutions that support mining, mineral processing, beneficiation, and value addition across Nigeria’s solid minerals value chain. The Institute is committed to reducing dependence on imported mining equipment, promoting local content development, supporting technology commercialization, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s mining industry.

In alignment with the Federal Government’s agenda on economic diversification, industrialization, and sustainable resource development, SOMMEDI serves as a national hub for mining technology innovation, equipment fabrication, mineral processing research, technical training, and capacity building. The Institute also supports artisanal and small-scale miners through technology transfer, skills development, and access to modern mining practices.

Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, development finance institutions, research organizations, universities, private sector operators, and international development partners, SOMMEDI is advancing initiatives aimed at promoting mineral beneficiation, local manufacturing of mining equipment, commercialization of indigenous technologies, and the development of bankable mining projects.

Our vision is to become Africa’s leading centre for mining technology development, mineral processing innovation, and sustainable industrial growth, while contributing significantly to job creation, wealth generation, and the transformation of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources into enduring economic prosperity.

Vision

To be Africa’s leading centre for mining technology innovation, machinery development, mineral processing, and sustainable industrial growth.

Mission

To develop, commercialize, and promote indigenous mining and mineral processing technologies, machinery, and equipment that enhance productivity, value addition, skills development, job creation, and economic competitiveness in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Mandate

To design, develop, fabricate, test, and facilitate the commercialization of mining and mineral processing machinery, equipment, and technologies for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector; and to support technology transfer, capacity building, local content development, and sustainable industrialization through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships.