Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ongoing reforms in the nation’s solid minerals sector, declaring that no amount of threats or blackmail will derail the transformative agenda already yielding positive results.
Speaking during a media briefing over the weekend ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, which begins on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Abuja, Dr. Alake said the reform measures have started to show tangible outcomes, as indicated by recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
According to the Minister, “Ten years ago, the contribution of mining to our nation’s GDP was less than 0.5%, but today it has increased to 1.8%, with NBS figures showing an unprecedented 4.61% growth in Q2, 2025. In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing, and more communities being positively impacted by mining activities.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the industry, Dr. Alake explained that the Nigeria Mining Week has mirrored the sector’s transformation from an informal, loosely regulated enterprise to a structured, innovation-driven, and investor-attractive environment. He emphasized that the ministry’s reforms are centered on transparency, risk mitigation, and value chain optimization to attract sustainable investment.
Dr. Alake revealed that efforts to strengthen regulatory enforcement have faced resistance, including personal threats, but he maintained that he remains resolute in pursuing the reform agenda. “No amount of intimidation, sponsored articles, or campaigns of calumny can deter us from repositioning the mining sector,” he declared.
He stressed that the era of lax oversight and regulatory impunity is over. “The ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy will be strictly enforced. Those who have held mining licenses for years without operations or defaulted in annual fees will lose them,” he said, adding that several licenses have already been revoked as part of a sustained clean-up exercise.
Dr. Alake disclosed that security measures are being enhanced within the ministry following threats linked to the reforms. He confirmed plans to install satellite surveillance systems over mining sites and expand the Mining Marshals Unit to ensure a visible enforcement presence in all local government areas across Nigeria.
He also announced plans for the establishment of a new pre-shipment inspection agency for solid minerals, which will further strengthen oversight and improve transparency in mineral exports.
The Minister called on stakeholders and investors to actively participate in the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.” The event, organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria, Vuka Group, and PwC, will run from October 13–15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
In his remarks, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, commended the Minister’s leadership and urged the government to continue strengthening policy implementation. He encouraged investors to seize the opportunity presented by the mining week to explore Nigeria’s vast mineral potential.
The event is expected to provide a platform for networking, consolidating progress, and attracting responsible investments that will drive Nigeria’s industrialization through sustainable mining development.
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