NIGERIA: Alake Reaffirms Commitment to Mining Reforms, Says No Threat Will Deter Progress

By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has declared that no amount of threats or blackmail will derail the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in the mining sector, which he said are already yielding measurable results.

Speaking during a media briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week scheduled to begin on Monday in Abuja, Alake said recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reflect the positive impact of the reforms on the nation’s economy.

He said: “Ten years ago, the contribution of mining to our nation’s GDP was less than 0.5 per cent, but today it has increased to 1.8 per cent, with figures from the NBS indicating an unprecedented 4.61 per cent in the second quarter of 2025.

In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing, and more communities being positively impacted by mining activity.”

Alake noted that the Nigeria Mining Week has served as a mirror for the industry’s transformation, from an informal, loosely regulated space into a structured, transparent, and innovation-driven sector that attracts both local and international investors.

He revealed that despite facing threats to his life and attempts at intimidation, his ministry remains determined to pursue its reform agenda to the end.

“The mining sector was hitherto an all-comers affair where operators got away with flagrant abuse of regulations. When we came in, we corrected these anomalies, and those affected have employed various tactics, including threats and blackmail, to force us to reverse course. I want to assure Nigerians that our resolve is unflinching. We are going ahead to enforce all regulations strictly, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed that the government’s revocation of dormant and non-compliant mining licenses would continue. He emphasised that the “Use it or Lose it” provision of the Mining Act would be strictly enforced to encourage genuine investors.

He added, “The era where people held licenses for over ten years without using them is gone. Our desire for a conducive operating environment does not extend to those who constantly flout the rules. I have had to triple my personal security following threats from those whose licenses were revoked, but I remain undaunted. Our confidence is anchored on principle and national interest.”

Alake further disclosed that the Federal Government is establishing a Minerals Pre-shipment Agency to enhance transparency and efficiency in the exportation of solid minerals.

He also announced that satellite surveillance systems are being installed across mining sites nationwide to monitor operations and curb illegal mining.

It was also added that, the ministry plans to double the personnel of the Mining Marshals, ensuring their presence in all local government areas across the country.

“These efforts are aimed at securing the mining environment, improving compliance, and ensuring that Nigeria benefits fully from its mineral wealth,” he explained.

The minister urged stakeholders and investors to actively participate in the forthcoming Nigeria Mining Week, describing it as a platform for networking, consolidating progress, and driving sustainable investments.

In his remarks, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Dele Ayanleke, commended the government’s efforts and urged investors to take advantage of the opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He also praised Dr Alake’s leadership, describing his reforms as “courageous and necessary for the sustainable growth of the mining industry.”

The 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” is organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria, Vuka Group, and PwC. The event will hold from October 13 to 15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.