Tag: Alake

Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has urged mining companies across the country to sign the revised Community Development Agreements (CDA) or lose their licences.

He said the revised requirements for community development agreements in the mining sector, which the ministry launched last year, was meant to engender a peaceful environment for mining operations to thrive.

The minister said the agreement would create a win-win situation for the communities, the Federal Government, and mining companies.

Alake said this yesterday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the BusinessDay Solid Minerals Conference with the theme: Digging Deeper: Diversifying Nigeria’s Economy for Wealth Creation.

In a statement by the Deputy Director of Information in the ministry, Alaba Balogun, the minister said: “The Federal Government has restated its commitment to enforce compliance with the new revised Community Development Agreements (CDA) by mining companies and holders of mining licences, assuring that they stand the risk of revocation of their licences by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

“Any company that fails to sign the community development agreements stands the risk of having its licence revoked.”

Commenting on the essence of the revised requirements to community development agreements in the mining sector, Alake explained that the CDA was put together to engender a peaceful environment for mining operations to thrive as well as create a win-win for the communities, the Federal Government and mining companies.

The number of compliance among mining companies to the CDA guideline fell short of expectations, the minister said.

“I wish to note, with dismay, that only 18 companies signed CDAs with their communities last year. We hope to enforce the implementation of the revised guidelines in the new year and those found wanting will face stiff penalties,” Alake said.

Lauding BusinessDay for organising the conference, the minister said: “The BusinessDay Solid Minerals Conference will enlighten the Nigerian press about the structure, needs and positioning of the sector and, through sensitisation, enable the media to understand the workings and support our efforts to position it as the next source of our commonwealth.”

Read Also: Killers of Ekiti monarchs, kidnappers of primary school pupils must face justice, says Alake

He expressed optimism on the practicability of the adopted Seven-Point Agenda of the ministry by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as the administration’s policy.

According to him, this is the tonic the mining sector needs to propel changes and reforms for repositioning the sector for international competitiveness.

To buttress his position, Alake cited the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, Exploration Data, Security and Safety of Mining, Domestic and International Investment Promotions, Support for Artisanal Co-Operatives and Campaign Against Illegal Mining, Value Addition for Industrial Transformation and Financial Stability, and Community Development Agreements as key objectives for achieving the goals and objectives to transform the sector.

The minister said this was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The Publisher of BusinessDay, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, listed the objectives of organising the conference.

He described the parley as a congregation of actual players in the sector, lawyers and financial bodies towards ensuring the growth and expansion of the solid minerals sector; and get it ready for significant inward investment.

Aigbogun said: “We believe that together with the Minister for Solid Minerals and his team, we can move the Solid Minerals Ministry to a level even beyond that we now imagine for the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.”

The minister of solid minerals, Dele Alake has disowned campaign posters portraying him to be purportedly vying for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti state.

The campaign posters bearing the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with inscriptions such as “Dele Alake 4 Governor” and “Take it Back” have flooded social media platforms.

But reacting, the minister in a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti by his special assistant on media, Segun Tomori said the posters did not emanate from him.

Alake who described the posters as the handiwork of disgruntled elements said he had no intention of contesting the 2026 governorship poll as he was committed to his current national assignment.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake has been drawn to a poster that is circulating on social media and across WhatsApp groups where he is positioned as a gubernatorial aspirant in Ekiti State with the inscription ‘Take it Back’.

“The general public is hereby informed that Dr Alake has no interest in running for the governorship election in Ekiti either now or in the future. The poster in circulation does not have his approval as he does not know the people behind it. It is fake and should be discarded.

“It is unconscionable that the Honorable Minister who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State.

“The Honourable Minister is a busy man, working tirelessly on how to make the solid minerals sector a major revenue earner for the country and for the sector to create thousands of high-paying jobs for Nigerians,

“He supports the current administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti and as a proud son of the soil, Dr. Alake will continue to contribute to the growth and progress of Ekiti State”, it added.

Meanwhile, a caucus within the All Progressives Congress in Ekiti state under the banner of Okinlua Support Group for BAO has begun aggressive networking for the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, describing the ambition as justifiable and non-negotiable.

The political body loyal to the deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, which has begun a house-to-house campaign to sensitize the voters, said Oyebanji and his deputy have justified the continuity agenda of the APC and worth being returned in 2026.

The group’s convener, Ade Adetunji, said this in Ado Ekiti, during a get-together organised for members and Award Conferment on eminent Ekiti indigenes across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Addressing the teeming supporters that thronged the venue of the event, Adetunji exuded confidence that Oyebanji would have a smooth sail in his second term bid based on his superlative performance, electrifying popularity and strong connections with the grassroots.

Harping on aggressive networking and mobilisation drives for APC, Adetunji appealed to members to begin to showcase the achievement profile and good works being undertaken by the APC-led government in Ekiti up to the grassroots.

“We have a lot of programmes we have packaged to market Governor Oyebanji/Afuye second term candidacy. We are not doing this for personal aggrandizement, but to show that the current government has worked hard and earned being returned.

“The Oyebanji-led government has impressed the citizens with prompt payment of salary, pension and deduction of workers. Before N100m was being paid monthly to defray gratuity arrears, Governor Oyebanji increased to N500m.

“Ekiti people can’t forget the employment of over 3,000 teachers and civil servants within a year. Now, about 15 road projects are under construction. The proposed flyover and efforts to make our Cargo Airport fully operational are making us proud.”

Applauding the group for acting as a great ally to the government, the deputy governor, Mrs Afuye, praised members for acting as disciples of Oyebanji with the way it has been spreading the good agenda of the government in all sectors of the economy.

Read Also: Alake hails Bauchi, Benue for commitment to mining development

Afuye, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Victor Adeniyi, said the current government is incurably desirous to fast-track development and tackle the endemic poverty level in the state.

“Governor Biodun Oyebanji has no other task than bringing development to Ekiti. That was why he has committed himself to the prompt payment of salary, pension, gratuity and provision of infrastructures like ring road, flyover and employment generation to strengthen business activities.

“Very soon, the International Cargo Airport will begin full operation. Another flyover is about to begin in Ado Ekiti. In less than one year, the government had employed over 3,000 in the civil service. Let me assure our citizens that many are still coming.”

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said the present administration is committed to recovering unpaid royalties and taxes in the mining sector.

He said the federal government has put in place measures like engaging consultants to block leakages and recover funds owed by licensed operators, which he put at several trillions of naira.

Alake said this in Abuja while welcoming the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) chairman, Mohammed Bello, and his team to his office.

He said the federal government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has resolved to strengthen collaboration to block revenue leakages in the mining sector.

The special assistant media to the minister, Segun Tomori, made this known in a press statement.

He stated: “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), have resolved to strengthen collaboration to block revenue leakages in the mining sector.

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“Speaking while welcoming the RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Bello, and his team to his office recently, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake commended efforts of the commission to boost revenue accruing to government coffers through mining operations.

He said: “Mr. Bello in his remarks stated that the commission’s visit is hinged on pledging support for efforts of the Minister to transform the mining sector since assumption of office and also extract commitment that the commission will get his cooperation to carry out its statutory monitoring activities.

“The commission was instrumental to getting the 10% monthly payment from the Natural Resources Development Fund to the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), and we know we can do much more together under your guidance and leadership to sanitise the sector, plug all loopholes and ensure the mining industry becomes a big chunk of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“In his submission, the commission’s chairman of solid minerals committee and commissioner representing Zamfara state, Abubakar Sadiq lauded the Minister for his reforms and leadership that has given visibility to the mining sector, stressing the need for improved collaboration with the RMAFC to address shortfall in revenue remittance by mining operators.

“Our evaluation of mining operations across the country has shown a shortfall in revenue to government. There is a monitoring gap. Government and RMAFC should strengthen collaboration to seal this gap and plug leakages in the system.”

“We are also making a case for proper supervision and documentation of minerals exported through our borders whilst also urging that the environmental impact of mining operations should be looked into and minimized,” Sadiq added.

“Dr. Alake, in his response, revealed that the federal government has put in place measures like engaging consultants to block leakages and recover funds owed by licensed operators, which he put at several trillions of naira.

“From our efforts, so far, we have discovered to our chagrin that we are owed trillions of naira in unpaid royalties and taxes by legalised operators. We are committed to recovering these funds and also in the process of engaging internationally certified auditors to look at the system and automate the whole gamut of the revenue collection processes.

“Alake restated the resolve of government to sanitise the mining environment, ensure it contributes substantially to the nation’s revenue, and ultimately make the sector rival oil in contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

“We are ready to collaborate with you, states, and host communities to maximise the potential of the mining sector for the benefit of all Nigerians. Our focus is to ensure that the industry translates to greater good for the greatest number of our people.”

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake has hailed the governments of Bauchi and Benue states for their commitment to mining developments.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving the Bauchi State delegation led by Governor Bala Mohammed, Alake expressed satisfaction with the renewed interest of federating units in developing the mining sector, stressing that it is in tandem with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

With the Benue State government’s delegation led by Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, Alake lauded the state for its interest in developing the state’s mineral resources in collaboration with the Federal Government, stressing that the approach of the state is in conformity with the nation’s statutes on mining, which puts the sector in the exclusive legislative list.

Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori made this known in a statement.

He added, “In his remarks, Gov. Mohammed congratulated Dr. Alake on his appointment, asserting that he is a square peg in a square hole.

Read Also: Provide work plan to secure mine sites in two weeks, Alake tells security agencies

“We know your pedigree and your antecedents and how loyal you have served the President, and how professional you are. Your pedigree is what we want to create in terms of human capital development for leadership. We have been following your activities since you assumed office, and we can boldly say you are doing your best to reform the mining sector and give it the needed visibility. We are happy with what you’re doing, “the governor added.

“Highlighting efforts of the state on mining development, the Governor revealed that the state has revisited its solid minerals policy, now christened “Natural Resources Policy”, which encapsulates the framework for partnership with the Federal Government.

“The policy seeks to deepen community engagement, unbundle the sector in such a way that there won’t be environmental degradation and ensure artisanal mining is controlled in collaboration with the ministry because it is your statutory responsibility by the constitution. We will be here to lend support as a sub-national, “the Bauchi Gov said.

“The Governor whilst noting the partnership of the ministry with Nasarawa State which culminated in the establishment of Lithium factories, made a case for similar support for Bauchi to develop what he described as its vast metallic minerals including Lithium.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake had told security agencies in the country that they have two weeks to provide a work plan for securing mining sites in the country.

He said the work plan should include the formation of whatever outfits would be proposed, the modalities, execution, funding, and all details associated with the security outfits that are proposed.

Alake said this yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing following the end of a security meeting held by the Minister and representatives of all the security agencies in the country.

He said the meeting was a result of the committee set up by the President to address issues surrounding the security of natural resources and to fashion out strategies to completely curb the menace.

He noted: “Now, the Committee set up the president to address issues surrounding the security of natural resources and to fashion out strategies to completely curb the menace that is making Nigeria bleed. After the meeting, the decision was to expand it to include the service chiefs and their representatives who form the critical security arms of the country.

“Following up on the first meeting that we had amongst the ministers. It was decided that we should expand the scope to incorporate the critical security agencies and that’s why the security agencies are here represented.

Read Also: Why military should tackle illegal miners, bandits, by Alake

“All the critical stakeholders, security stakeholders that are relevant to this issue of securing Natural Resources are present here and we have deliberated exhaustively, like I said, and “It’s decided that the security agencies that constitute the experts in this particular venture should meet and give us a work plan of execution of that mandate, and what is the mandate?  To secure our natural resources, mineral sites, the forest and the marine economy and everyone agrees here.

“Now we’ll meet in a fortnight and deliberate on the work plan submitted by the security agencies and that work plan simply includes the formation of whatever outfits that we propose the modalities, execution, funding, and all details associated with the security outfits that we propose.

“I want to use this opportunity to let you know that what happened in the Ibadan, even though we’re expecting like I said in the Ibadan, the final forensic analysis report from the various security agencies, intelligence agencies, and the technical experts, even some from the Mines Inspectorate Division of this ministry of solid minerals.

“So we have the solid intelligence agencies working on unraveling the situation. And don’t forget that shrapnel or fragments, documents, and a lot of items constituting evidence were obtained from the site. And some of these things have to be scientifically analysed before an authentic report will be given. I did say at the time that the government would not be able to make a categorical statement until we have seen or received the report, studied, and come up with informed decisions.”

The Federal Government’s will allow the investigative, technical and intelligence agencies to conclude their investigations before making any categorical statement on Ibadan explosion.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, said this on Monday while speaking with newsmen shortly after meeting with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan.

He said all the questions pertaining to the explosion would be answered at the end of the investigations, adding that by then, Nigerians would be well-informed.

Alake said he was at the governor’s office to commiserate with Makinde and commend him for his efficiency and effectiveness in the handling of the explosion.

He particularly thanked Makinde for the speed with which he had responded to the incident which he described as unfortunate.

The minister said that Makinde’s efforts was ‘very remarkable’, adding that President Bola Tinubu was impressed.

Read Also: Alake, Badaru, Oyetola, others hold inter-ministerial committee meeting in Abuja

The minister said he had visited the scene of the explosion as well as the hospital to see some of the victims.

He said that there would not be any particular time frame for the submission of the report on the explosion, as it was a technical investigation that required lots of expertise.

Alake, however, said that the report would not take too long, based on the speed with which all the agencies involved had been handling the assignment.

He assured Nigerians that government would not sit on the report, given the magnitude of the explosion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the explosion, which occurred on Jan.16 at Bodija area of Ibadan, had claimed five lives, with 77 people injured and several houses destroyed.

(NAN) 

Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has disclosed that his ministry was engaging the military to tackle bandits involved in illegal mining because the latter possessed sophisticated weapons and ammunition.

Alake disclosed this while addressing reporters at the Bodija, Ibadan, and explosion site on Monday, January 22.

The minister, who expressed shock at the magnitude of the damage caused by the explosion, called on Nigerians to be watchful in their neighbourhoods and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

He was received and briefed on the site by the head of the emergency response committee set up by the state government Prof. Temitope Alonge. The University College Hospital (UCH) Chief Medical Director Prof. Jesse Otegbayo also joined the minister for the visit.

They were also joined by civil society organizations represented by Comrades Awa Bamiji, Tunde Adeoye, and Olayinka Agboola.

Alake expressed surprise that heavy explosives could be stored in such a neighbourhood without any suspicion or report to security agencies.

When asked if his ministry could play any role in securing mining sites and related activities, he explained that Nigerians should be aware that bandits around mining sites are being sponsored by powerful Nigerians, adding that he has been receiving threatening messages since he made the announcement official. But he said he would remain undaunted.

Giving further explanation, the minister said the bandits have sophisticated weapons and ammunition because they are being sponsored. He said it was the reason he had started engaging the military because the bandits were laying mines for Nigerian security ground forces in the forests.

His words: “We’ve been working with the security agencies even before this unfortunate incident. Only last week, the president set up a committee on our natural resources, which I am chairing and we held a maiden meeting in my office, which was one of the reasons I was not here that very day because it was after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. That committee was raised and we moved to my office and started work. We are having another expanded meeting in a few days with all the security agencies and heads of the security agencies involved.

“Prior to all of these, we had been mapping out strategies. It is also part of my seven-point agenda which I rolled out a couple of months ago about securing our natural resources, especially that which is within my purview, which is solid minerals.

“If you followed my budget defence at the House of Reps or Senate, I did say categorically to the whole world that powerful Nigerians are behind banditry associated with Illegal mining in this country. I said it openly. Of course, I’ve since received threats but we are undaunted because these things have to be said.

“In any case, I wasn’t saying anything new. Most people knew, most people are saying it, I only gave it an official stamp and it is based on an intelligence report. There is a lot of connivance along and among the social strata in the society, high, medium, and low. And I did say at the budgetary defence that we are employing both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies and tactics to tackle insecurity.

“The details, I won’t be able to disclose to you publicly. The Federal Government is working in concert with all the critical stakeholders- state, local government, and host communities. This is because at the end of the day, whatever security outfit you come up with would have to involve the host communities, and people on the ground who have very efficient knowledge of the local terrain. You cannot do without them.

Read Also: Alake, Badaru, Oyetola, others hold inter-ministerial committee meeting in Abuja

“And one of the things that happen now, even in the forest, unknown to many people, is that these bandits being sponsored by highly placed people have access to heavy funding and they have a heavy arsenal, weaponry, arms, and ammunition. They even lay mines on the ground against our ground forces that are moving into the forest to dislodge them.

“That is why we required the engagement of the military. That’s why I have been meeting with the Minister of Defence and we mapped out all the strategies so that the military will go into the forest and clear them and the mines before the new security outfit we are rejigging at the moment comes to the fore.”

He assured victims of the explosion that justice would be done.

Alake restated that the Federal Government would wait for the comprehensive report of experts to be well-guided on the actions to take on the Ibadan explosion.

The minister left the site for the (UCH), Ibadan where he inspected some injured persons that were still being attended to.