At a time when Africa’s mineral wealth is often discussed through the lens of exploitation and foreign control, a Nigerian mining executive is advancing a different approach built on local leadership, structure and long-term value. Denzel Henry Akogwu, FPCEL, has spent more than fifteen years working across mining, mineral trading and exploration, and his work is shaping a new direction for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Akogwu is the Principal Chief Executive Officer of Elipse International Ltd, an indigenous mining and mineral solutions company operating across several states in Nigeria. His career began in commodity sales at Coltan Global Mines, where he gained early exposure to mineral markets and export systems. Between 2008 and 2012, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Asian Global Services Ltd, a period that marked his first major international industry experience and helped deepen his understanding of global supply chains.
Elipse International traces its operational roots to 2008, before evolving into its current structure through growth, professionalisation and rebranding. Since taking leadership in 2009, Akogwu has overseen the company’s expansion into a fully integrated operation covering exploration, licensed mining, mineral processing, inspection, logistics and export. The company trades and produces minerals that include lithium, gold, copper, zinc, lead, tin, tantalum, columbite, manganese, zircon, monazite, antimony and chromite, alongside other industrial minerals used in global manufacturing.
The company operates with licensed concessions and maintains compliance with Nigeria’s export and shipping frameworks. Its corporate membership of the Nigerian Shippers Council places it within regulated trade systems and supports transparency in mineral exports. Elipse International is staffed by professionals in geology, mining engineering, processing and international trade, reflecting a structured approach to operations.
Mining activities are conducted using open pit, underground or alluvial methods, depending on geological conditions. Safety procedures, environmental management and host community engagement are embedded into project planning and execution. Mineral output is subjected to sampling, laboratory testing and grade verification before export, contributing to a grade compliance rate reported at approximately ninety eight percent. This process has supported long-term relationships with international buyers.
Through mineral buying centres in Jos, Zamfara, Niger, Bauchi and Nasarawa states, the company works with artisanal and small-scale miners. These centres provide market access, standardised pricing and responsible sourcing channels, while supporting local mining economies and ensuring consistency of supply.
The global shift towards clean energy and electric mobility has increased demand for lithium, and Akogwu has positioned Nigeria within this transition through the establishment of Elipse Lithium Ltd. The subsidiary focuses on lithium mining, processing and distribution, with an emphasis on local processing, employment and skills transfer. By integrating small-scale miners into formal buying systems, the initiative aims to move Nigeria beyond raw mineral exports towards participation in energy supply chains.
Alongside commercial operations, Akogwu chairs the Elipse Foundation, which channels support into mining host communities. The foundation’s activities include healthcare support, education and scholarships, food relief, skills training and community development programmes. These efforts reflect an approach that links mineral extraction with social impact and shared value.
Elipse International’s operations are largely located in rural and semi-urban areas, where mining activities provide employment and technical exposure for local populations. Training and hands-on participation offer pathways into industrial work for young Nigerians, contributing to skills development and economic inclusion.
Looking ahead, Akogwu’s plans extend into mineral processing, downstream manufacturing and research-led innovation. Proposed investments include processing facilities, industrial plants and export-oriented production zones designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position in mineral-based industries.
Through his work, Akogwu is contributing to export diversification and reduced dependence on oil revenues. His focus on structure, compliance and local capacity highlights a model of mining led by African enterprise and aligned with national development priorities. In doing so, he is playing a role in shaping how Africa’s mineral resources are managed and how their value is shared.
