By Palma Ileye
Minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has unveiled a series of transformative strides aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake in a strategic briefing during the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight visit to the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja noted that this was achieved with a clear focus on the Ministry’s comprehensive 7-point agenda.
He emphasized that the progress made was targeted at securing Nigeria’s mining operations, deterring illegal activities, and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth.
The Minister, according to a press release issued by Chinwe Ekwugha for the Ministry, the forefront of this transformation was a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining—a longstanding challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing.
He said, “Since deploying over 2,000 trained Mine Marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.”
The Minister credited this progress to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled an effective inter-Ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, ensuring swift deployment of resources and personnel to protect mining regions.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact,” Dr. Alake noted, describing the positive shift brought by reduced illegal operations.
“Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” he said.
In addition to strengthening security, Alake shared the Ministry’s vision for establishing Nigeria as a global mineral hub adding that targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.
The statement disclosed that the strategic focus on in-country processing and value addition for minerals was helping Nigeria retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports noting that this policy was also setting a trend across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, which Dr. Alake now leads.
“With revenue on the rise and global interest growing, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is gaining recognition as a driver of sustainable development,” the statement further disclosed.
The Solid Minerals Minister expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other key partners, emphasizing that these combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector.
“We’re setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect,” he stated, adding that, “But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We look forward to even stronger collaboration to achieve greater milestones.”
The Minister expressed optimism that with these reforms setting the stage for substantial economic contributions, Nigeria’s mining sector was on a trajectory to significantly bolster the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Garza Jonathan Gbefwi said that the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development remains dedicated to advancing transparency, growth, and robust support for this sector.
Throughout, the Committee has maintained a clear distinction between legislative and executive roles, allowing the Ministry to shape and implement its policies without interference.
He noted that the group has taken a more direct approach this year by engaging closely with each agency under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
These engagements he said, provide invaluable insights into the achievements and challenges within the sector, particularly from key agencies such as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, and the Solid Minerals Development Fund, SMDF noting that the goal was to address any obstacles that could hinder the sector’s development.
The Chairman disclosed that one of the main challenges the NGSA faces was limited financial resources, especially for fulfilling its essential mandate of generating geological data noting that Mineral exploration is a highly capital-intensive activity, and sufficient funding is critical to producing reliable data that can drive the sector forward.
To that end, he advocated for increased funding to facilitate a seamless partnership between NGSA and SMDF, enabling both agencies to contribute effectively to sectoral growth.
Recognizing the solid minerals sector’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, Gbefwi called on the Federal Government to prioritize funding for its development.
He encourage the Ministry to work closely with the President and other key stakeholders to secure resources that will foster the sector’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Addressing Licensing and Consent Challenges the Chairman, among other things, stressed that licensing for exploration and extraction was an area that requires careful handling, especially concerning community consent stressing that without a well-managed consent process, local tensions can arise once valuable resources are discovered.
He said that a transparent and inclusive licensing framework was essential to minimize conflicts, respect community rights, and ensure harmony.
The Committee, he said, supports efforts to enhance this process as a means to foster stable, sustainable growth.
Gbefwi also recognized the Ministry’s progress, particularly in advancing the Seven-Point Agenda, saying that, the Committee stands firmly in support of these efforts, and remains committed to partnering with it to transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
In her contribution at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe thanked the Committee members for their continuous advocacy for the solid minerals sector.
She acknowledged that the Committee’s commitment to issues such as funding, policy guidance, and legislative backing has been invaluable in empowering the Ministry to fulfill its mandate.
“Together, we can achieve our shared objectives, particularly in increasing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s overall economic sustainability,” she said.
The Chief Accounting Officer noted that the Ministry will continue to count on the Committee’s support in addressing challenges, securing the necessary resources, and enhancing operations across its agencies.
She highlighted that the Ministry’s recent advancements, particularly in policy initiatives and community relations, were a result of the productive partnership with the Committee.
Dr. Ogbe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient environment for the solid minerals sector.
She opined that, with the House Committee’s ongoing aid, the Ministry would continue to drive progress, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.