Minister Dele Alake reaffirms Federal Government’s commitment to mining reforms in Nigeria, stressing that threats and blackmail cannot derail the transformation agenda.
The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to mining reforms in Nigeria, assuring citizens that no amount of threats, blackmail, or intimidation will derail the ongoing transformation of the solid minerals sector.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, made this known during a weekend press briefing in Abuja, ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week scheduled for October 13–15, 2025.T
he event, themed “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” is jointly organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Miners Association of Nigeria, PwC, and Vuka Group.
Alake emphasized that the administration’s commitment to mining reforms in Nigeria is already producing visible results across the sector.
Citing recent figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), he revealed that mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has grown impressively over the last decade.
“Ten years ago, the sector contributed less than 0.5% to our GDP,” Alake said.
“Today, that contribution has risen to 1.8%, with NBS data indicating an unprecedented 4.61% growth in the second quarter of 2025. These numbers reflect increased investment, expanded operations, and stronger community impacts.”
The Minister noted that the Nigeria Mining Week has become a reflection of the country’s mining evolution—from an informal, weakly regulated field to a structured, technology-driven, and investor-friendly industry.
He said the government’s agenda is built on transparency, risk reduction, and value-chain development to create a sustainable mining ecosystem.
However, Alake admitted that implementing the mining reforms in Nigeria has not been without resistance.
Some individuals and groups benefiting from years of irregular practices, he said, have tried to undermine the reforms through threats and smear campaigns.
“Before now, mining was an all-comers’ affair where rules were ignored,” Alake explained.
“We introduced discipline, and those whose interests are threatened have resorted to intimidation and blackmail. But no level of pressure will make us compromise. Our mission is to build a transparent and accountable mining sector for Nigeria’s future.”
He reaffirmed that the ongoing revocation of dormant or defaulting mining licences would continue. The era of holding licences for years without meaningful activity or payment of statutory fees, he stated, is over.
“We want serious investors, not speculators,” Alake stressed.
“Those who obtained licences just to hoard them must now face reality. Some of them have issued personal threats to me, but I remain undaunted because our fight is guided by principle and patriotism.”
The Minister revealed that the Federal Government is strengthening enforcement and monitoring to ensure compliance.
He disclosed plans to establish a Pre-Shipment Agency for Solid Minerals to properly evaluate exported materials and reduce revenue losses.
In addition, satellite surveillance of mining locations has begun, with the aim of improving data accuracy and curbing illegal mining.
Another key step, he announced, is the expansion of the Mining Marshals, a special security outfit created to combat illegal mining.
“We are doubling the strength of the Mining Marshals to cover all 774 local government areas. They will be fully equipped to secure legitimate mining operations and enforce regulations nationwide,” Alake said.
He urged all stakeholders, including operators, investors, and communities, to work together in ensuring that the mining reforms in Nigeria achieve their full potential.
He described the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week as a critical opportunity for collaboration, investment discussions, and policy review.
“Nigeria Mining Week has grown into an important platform for sharing ideas, showcasing progress, and strengthening partnerships.
“It is also a window for attracting responsible investors who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic diversification,” the Minister added.
In his remarks, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Dele Ayanleke, praised Alake’s courage and commitment to reforming the solid minerals sector.
He noted that the government’s policies are already boosting investor confidence and encouraging new exploration across the country.
Ayanleke appealed to both local and international investors to take advantage of the government’s renewed focus on mining, describing the sector as “a key driver of Nigeria’s next phase of industrial and economic development.”
“Dr. Alake has redefined leadership in the mining industry through his insistence on accountability and modernisation,” Ayanleke stated.
“The association will continue to support the ministry’s policies that are building a stronger and more transparent sector.”
As preparations intensify for the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, industry watchers believe the event will mark a significant milestone in repositioning Nigeria’s mining industry for global competitiveness.
Experts say the gathering will provide valuable insights into government incentives, technological innovations, and emerging investment frontiers.
Dr. Alake, in his concluding remarks, assured that the government will not relent until Nigeria’s mining sector becomes a pillar of national economic growth.
He said that despite opposition and temporary setbacks, the long-term benefits of reforming the sector far outweigh the challenges.
“Our vision for mining reforms in Nigeria is to create a transparent, sustainable, and globally competitive sector. We are doing this for the benefit of present and future generations. No threat or distraction will deter us,” he declared.
The Minister reaffirmed that the government’s ultimate goal is to transform the solid minerals industry into a major contributor to national revenue and job creation.
“Nigeria is richly endowed, and with consistency in our reforms, the mining sector will soon take its rightful place among the top contributors to GDP,” he concluded.
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