Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development has accused some individuals of threatening him following his cancellation of 1,263 mining licences belonging to operators who failed to pay their annual service fees.
While speaking at a press briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, on Friday in Abuja, Alake said some of those affected had threatened international arbitration and sponsored negative media campaigns against the ministry’s reforms.
He noted that the threats would not deter him from pursuing the reforms necessary to sanitise the sector, adding that the decision was crucial to ensuring the country gains fair economic returns from its mineral resources.
“Some people have had licenses since former President Olusegun Obasanjo regime but have not used it,” he said.
According to Alake, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has grown significantly, with its contribution to the nation’s GDP rising from less than 0.5 per cent a decade ago to about 4.65 per cent, and further growth projected in the years ahead.
He said this progress reflected a more vibrant mining industry, with increasing investments and visible benefits to local communities.
“In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing and more communities being impacted by mining activity.
“The ideas of strong data, more investment and greater beneficiation that seemed far off are now realities shaping the sector,” he said.
The minister explained that this year’s mining week aligns with Nigeria’s strategy to maximise revenue by adding value to minerals and leveraging opportunities in the global energy transition.
He highlighted that the annual event had documented the industry’s evolution from an informal system to one defined by structure, innovation and private-sector participation.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Alake said the ministry had implemented reforms to improve transparency, de-risk investments and unlock value across the mineral development chain.
He added that the government’s goal was to position Nigeria as a globally competitive mining destination through enhanced regulation, sustainable practices and better utilisation of its vast mineral wealth.
According to him, the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week will feature about 100 exhibitors showcasing advanced mining technologies and attract more than 3,500 delegates from within and outside Nigeria.
He noted that international mining delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East would be in attendance, reflecting the growing global interest in Nigeria’s mineral potential.
“Together through collaborative efforts, innovation and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape,” he said.
In his remarks, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Dele Ayankale, said the 10th edition of the event represents a decade of impact, innovation and partnership in the solid minerals industry.
He described the forum as a vital platform for dialogue and reform, linking policymakers, investors and industry operators to drive progress in the sector.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, investment inflows and the deployment of modern technologies to promote sustainability.
“Minerals such as gold, limestone, barite, lithium and bitumen have gained renewed attention, and through enhanced collaboration, we are seeing tangible contributions to job creation, community development and economic diversification,” he said.
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