The Federal Government has announced that it recovered 90 mining sites from illegal operators and generated over N28 billion in 2024, surpassing the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s projected revenue for the fiscal year.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at the South-West Dialogue on Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue, organised by Afenifere in collaboration with the DAWN Commission and South-West governors.
Alake described the milestone as a sign of renewed discipline, transparency, and commitment to the nation’s solid minerals roadmap, which aims to formalise the sector and attract sustainable investment.
FG’s Clampdown on Illegal Mining Leads to Recovered 90 Mining Sites
Highlighting the ongoing reforms, Alake stated that the government had successfully recovered 90 mining sites from illegal miners and secured multiple convictions across different states.
According to him, over 300 illegal miners were apprehended, with 50 currently facing prosecution and 20 already convicted.
“These actions reflect our zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining,” he said.
“We are restoring order, ensuring that Nigeria benefits directly from its mineral wealth, and discouraging the exploitation of local communities by unlawful operators.”
Alake added that the ministry, in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had deployed a new security structure known as the Mining Marshals to protect mining sites nationwide.
The specialised unit, he explained, was designed to curb illegal extraction, improve monitoring, and guarantee the safety of legitimate operators.
He continued, “The presence of Mining Marshals has greatly reduced incidents of illegal mining in critical zones, allowing registered companies to operate freely.
This collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to sanitise its solid minerals sector.”
N28bn Revenue Boost and Local Processing Policy
The minister revealed that the N28 billion generated in 2024 was a result of improved regulation, enhanced compliance, and the government’s insistence on value addition before export.
Under the new policy direction, mined minerals are required to undergo local processing to strengthen the domestic value chain, create jobs, and increase foreign exchange earnings.
“Our administration’s policy is clear — no mineral should be exported in its raw form. Every mineral must be processed locally to retain value and promote industrialisation,” Alake said.
He added that the solid minerals sector had become one of Nigeria’s most promising non-oil revenue drivers, noting that the ministry’s revenue performance in 2024 surpassed its budgetary target, reflecting investor confidence in the sector’s growing stability.
Traditional Rulers, Communities Warned Against Illegal Deals
Dr. Alake also issued a stern warning to traditional rulers and local authorities who often collude with illegal miners, saying such practices threaten national development and deprive host communities of legitimate benefits.
“The future of Nigeria should not be traded for short-term gains,” he said.
“We urge our royal fathers and community leaders to partner with the government by reporting illegal activities within their jurisdictions. No one will be spared if found complicit.”
According to him, community involvement remains essential in ensuring environmental protection and the equitable distribution of mining benefits, particularly in rural areas affected by illegal activities.
Adeleke Raises Concerns Over Federal Interference
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, used the event to raise concerns about what he described as political interference and federal dominance in state affairs.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke alleged that some federal appointees from the state had attempted to “hijack” governance using security influence and administrative pressure.
He said, “We have seen repeated attempts to undermine state autonomy.
Local government funds were seized earlier this year without any court order, and duly elected officials were prevented from assuming office. Such actions erode the foundation of our democracy.”
Adeleke, however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaboration and good governance, noting that Osun remains an active participant in federal peer review and national development frameworks.
Reforms Signalling Progress in the Mining Sector
Analysts believe the federal government’s ability to have recovered 90 mining sites while generating record revenue is an indication that the sector is slowly shedding its history of neglect and corruption.
With the establishment of the Mining Marshals and stricter enforcement mechanisms, the solid minerals industry is poised for greater transparency, investment, and accountability.
Industry observers have urged the government to build on the momentum by fast-tracking the Solid Minerals Development Fund, which could help small-scale miners access equipment, funding, and training, further boosting the formal economy.
Alake maintained that the renewed focus on lawful mining, coupled with the push for local processing, would position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global minerals market.
“The foundation for sustainable growth has been laid,” he said confidently.
