Nestled in the heart of Nasarawa State, a region richly endowed with a variety of solid minerals lie a quiet but powerful engine of Nigeria’s drive towards industrial self-reliance and economic diversification, the Solid Mineral Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMMEDI), conceived with a singular purpose: to provide cutting-edge technical and scientific infrastructure to support Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) engaged in mining and mineral processing.
Established by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), SOMMEDI came about as a result of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 23, 2012, between NASENI and the Nasarawa State Government. SOMMEDI’s core mission is rooted in a broader vision of transforming the mining sector from an informal, labor-intensive activity into a high-tech, economically empowering industry.
SOMMEDI was officially commissioned on May 25, 2019. Its establishment in Nasarawa is strategic. The state is one of Nigeria’s most mineral-rich zones, making it an ideal location for such an institute. But beyond geographical advantage, SOMMEDI’s true significance lies in its bold mono-mandate: the design, fabrication, development, and mass production of specialized machinery and equipment for mining and mineral processing.
SOMMEDI is not merely a machinery development institute; it is a hub of ideas, innovation, and futuristic thinking. Its vision encompasses the complete transformation of Nigeria’s mining operations by designing and delivering machinery tailored to enhance productivity and efficiency. In doing so, it seeks to fill a long-standing void-the lack of indigenous technology solutions for mineral exploitation and processing.
According to the Overseeing Officer of SOMMEDI, Mr. Stephen Enyi, “Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources scattered all over the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Some of the minerals include Gold, Tin, Iron Ore, Limestone, Bitumen, Lead, Zinc, and Cobalt, in various commercial quantities.
“It is, therefore, important for Nigeria to develop capacity and skills for the exploitation and processing of these vast resources,” he said. Mr. Enyi’s statement reflects the ethos of SOMMEDI: a belief that Nigeria’s natural wealth should not merely be exported raw or processed with foreign technologies but rather serve as the foundation for homegrown innovation and industrial growth.
To this end, the Institute prioritizes skill development, technology transfer, and research and development (R&D) as cornerstones of its work. At the heart of SOMMEDI’s operations is its technical and manufacturing infrastructure. The institute boasts as a fully equipped Mineral Processing Workshop dedicated to the processing of Nigeria’s wide range of solid minerals.
Additionally, it features a Wood Processing Workshop, a Gemological Laboratory for the testing and analysis of precious stones, and a Lapidary Workshop where gemstones are expertly cut and polished. These facilities are more than just symbolic achievements; they represent practical steps towards Nigeria’s long-sought goal of economic diversification.
By producing machinery that is locally designed and manufactured, SOMMEDI helps reduce Nigeria’s dependence on costly foreign imports-a strategic move towards import substitution. Moreover, the institute’s support extends to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that often lack the capacity or technical know-how to engage in high-efficiency mining.
Through targeted interventions, SOMMEDI equips these businesses with tools and knowledge to increase productivity, reduce operational costs, and contribute more significantly to the nation’s GDP.
According to the Acting Head of Administration and Human Resources at SOMMEDI, Mr. Abdullahi Usman Rasheed, “SOMMEDI, as one of the development institutes of NASENI, has the potential of making the nation self-sufficient in providing all the necessary machinery and equipment for solid mineral processing and optimization of its uses both locally and internationally.
“We are looking forward to partnering and collaborating with relevant reputable individuals and corporate entities in actualization of these enormous potentials, he said. Another pillar of SOMMEDI’s mission is human capital development. The institute runs training services on the operation, maintenance, and repair of solid mineral machinery. This helps to build a skilled workforce capable of sustaining mining activities and extending the lifespan of machinery through effective use and upkeep.
SOMMEDI also offers mining planning and optimization services. These involve guiding companies through the complex process of designing mines and deploying best practices in resource extraction and site management. This professional support is critical to improving efficiency and environmental sustainability in mining operations.
Importantly, the institute’s commitment to skill acquisition directly aligns with national goals of job creation and youth empowerment. By equipping young Nigerians with specialized technical skills, SOMMEDI is helping to reduce unemployment and build a generation of innovators and industrialists who can compete on the global stage.
Research and Development (R&D) is at the core of SOMMEDI’s vision. The Institute is actively engaged in extensive R&D in mining and mineral processing. Some of its new technologies are already in advanced stages of development and are expected to hit the market soon. These innovations promise to improve efficiency, safety, and profitability across the mining value chain.
Moreover, SOMMEDI is attracting growing interest from local and international stakeholders interested in partnerships. Collaboration is a critical pathway for scaling innovation, and the institute is exploring opportunities with research organizations, private sector players, and development agencies.
“We are open to working with stakeholders who share our vision,” says Rasheed. “Our doors are open to credible partnerships that will help us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and position Nigeria as a global leader in mineral technology.” SOMMEDI is one of several sector-specific development institutes under NASENI, but its work resonates profoundly with Nigeria’s economic realities.
With oil revenues proving increasingly unreliable, the country has turned towards solid minerals and agriculture as alternative engines of growth. Institutions like SOMMEDI are, therefore, essential to achieving the broader policy goals of diversification and sustainable development.
The goals and objectives of the institute-from import substitution to revenue generation-align perfectly with the aspirations of both federal and state governments. Its model, which integrates infrastructure, skills, technology, and partnerships, offers a scalable template for other sectors.
In Nasarawa, SOMMEDI is already contributing to the state’s transformation into a center of industrial excellence. For a state long viewed as a supplier of raw materials, the presence of such an institution marks a turning point-one where value addition and local empowerment begin to replace resource exploitation.
Under the leadership of the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu Suleiman, SOMMEDI has embraced the principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization (3Cs). The institute is dedicated to designing and fabricating machinery for mineral exploration, extraction, and processing. From modular mining equipment to advanced ore processing plants, SOMMEDI’s innovations are tailored to meet the unique needs of Nigeria’s mining industry.
For instance, the institute is developing affordable and efficient diesel mobile hammer crusher that eases the difficulty in crushing manually and saves more time as well as increases efficiency. Recognizing that no single entity can drive the transformation of the solid minerals sector alone, SOMMEDI has forged strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector players, and international organizations.
These collaborations are aimed at pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and scaling up innovations. For example, SOMMEDI is working closely with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to train local miners on the use of modern equipment. The institute is also partnering with universities and research institutions to develop technologies for mineral exploration and processing.
SOMMEDI is turning innovations into marketable products that drive economic growth. It is not just a research and development institute; it is a business hub that manufactures and sells mining equipment to local and international markets. By commercializing its products, SOMMEDI is generating revenue, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity in the solid minerals sector. One of SOMMEDI’s flagship products is a 3TH mobile hammer crusher.
The potential impact of SOMMEDI on Nigeria’s economy is immense. By providing affordable and efficient mining equipment, the institute is empowering small and medium-scale miners, who account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s mining activities. This, in turn, is increasing mineral production, creating jobs, and reducing poverty in mining communities.
Moreover, SOMMEDI’s focus on value addition is transforming Nigeria from a mere exporter of raw minerals to a producer of finished products. For instance, the institute is developing machinery for the production of cement, ceramics, and glass from locally sourced limestone and silica. This not only reduces the need for imports but also stimulates the growth of downstream industries.
As SOMMEDI continues to mature, it faces a future full of promise and potential. The foundation laid in its formative years has positioned it as a leading light in Nigeria’s march towards industrialization through local technology and innovation. The success of its programmes will depend on continued investment, strong partnerships, and policy support from levels of government.
In a country with immense mineral wealth, the development of machinery to harness these resources is not optional-it is imperative. SOMMEDI’s role in this journey is not just commendable; it is crucial. SOMMEDI’s story is one of hope, resilience, and transformation. It is a story that reminds us that Nigeria’s greatest resource is not beneath the ground but within its people, their creativity, determination, and ability to work together for the common good. With SOMMEDI leading the charge, the future of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is indeed golden.
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