***Says GDP Contribution Hits 4.61%, Unveils Plans for Minerals Pre-Shipment Agency, Satellite Surveillance
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has declared that no amount of threats, blackmail, or smear campaigns will derail the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Speaking ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week scheduled to begin on Monday, Alake said the reforms are already yielding measurable results, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that show the mining sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose from less than 0.5% a decade ago to 1.8%, with a record 4.61% in the second quarter of 2025.
“These figures mean more mines in operation, more companies investing, and more communities benefiting from mining activities,” Alake said.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister reaffirmed his determination to enforce due process and transparency in the sector despite facing resistance.
“The mining sector was once an all-comers affair where operators flagrantly abused regulations. Since we began reforms, some affected parties have resorted to threats and blackmail to derail our progress. But our resolve is unflinching we will enforce all regulations, no matter whose ox is gored,” he stated.
Alake emphasized that the revocation of dormant or non-compliant mining licenses will continue as part of the Federal Government’s clean-up strategy to attract serious investors.
“The era when people held licenses for over 10 years without any form of operation is gone. The ‘Use it or Lose it’ policy will be strictly implemented,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he had increased his personal security following threats from some aggrieved operators but insisted he remained undeterred.
“Our confidence is anchored on the principle that this fight is for the sake of our country. We will not back down,” he affirmed.
Highlighting new initiatives to strengthen regulation, Alake announced plans to establish a Minerals Pre-Shipment Agency to ensure proper monitoring and accountability in mineral exports.
He also revealed that the government is installing satellite surveillance systems across mining sites and plans to double the personnel of the Mining Marshals a mobile enforcement unit that will be deployed to every local government to combat illegal mining.
“Our reforms are designed to make the sector safer, more transparent, and more profitable for genuine investors,” he said.
Dr. Alake urged all stakeholders and investors to actively participate in the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week, describing it as a platform to consolidate progress and attract responsible investments.
“This event provides an opportunity to deepen reforms, promote innovation, and ensure the mining sector contributes substantially to Nigeria’s industrialization,” he said.
The President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, applauded the minister’s leadership, urging the government to sustain policy implementation and calling on investors to leverage the country’s vast mineral potential.
The 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” is organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria, Vuka Group, and PwC. It will hold from October 13–15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
