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  • Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that President Bola Tinubu is expanding the horizon of entrepreneurship in the country.

    He said this is being done through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Alake expressed that the federal government is not just instilling hope in the youth but successfully aligning them with the shared dream of liberating not only the economy but also achieving political and social emancipation for Nigeria.

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

    Alake said: “What we are doing today, commissioning this Amal Technology factory is setting the pace, and of course, it synchronizes with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aims to expand the horizon of entrepreneurship. 

    “It is not only giving the youths hope, but us all, that we have been able to wriggle the youth into the common dream and vision of the emancipation of not just the economy but political and social emancipation of Nigeria”

    “With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake reiterated the commitment of President Tinubu to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive whilst maximizing opportunities for Nigerian youths to achieve their full potential.

    Speaking at the commissioning of Amal technology factory, Alake lauded the National Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for providing the needed support and partnership for the indigenous company, pioneered by a youth, asserting that the present administration is committed to broadening the capacity for young Nigerians to excel in all fields of endeavour.

    He stated: “Amal tech factory incorporates a production facility for gas leak detection devices and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which complements the Federal Government’s gas policy and deepens the drive for utilization of cooking gas in homes, across the country.

    “Restating the pivotal role of youths in the nation’s development, the Minister emphasized that the demography constitutes the pillar of the country, as statistics indicate they make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population.

    “When you have a restive, ebullient, vibrant youth population and you do not create constructive avenue for their engagement, you are courting disaster.  That’s why the President decided to engage the youths, not just rhetorically or polemically but in actuality. 

    Read Also: Alake: Local, foreign investors coming

    “There is no better way to execute that, than making them drivers of policy, and that is why from the cabinet level to MDAs, the President has given them a seat at the table”, Dr. Alake emphasized.

    He added: “He charged the youth to emulate Amal Tech in not only dreaming big but also conceptualizing innovative solutions to problems, assuring that the federal government is committed to removing bottlenecks hampering ease of doing business.

    “Citing the prevailing discomfort on account of economic reforms, the Minister appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, stressing that the gestation period is almost over, affirming that the attendant results will lead to prosperity for all.

    Amongst dignitaries present at the commissioning were Minister of State of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande; Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, representatives of the Ministers of State for Petroleum (oil and gas), amongst others.”

  • Alake: Local, foreign investors coming

    Alake: Local, foreign investors coming

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake said in the three months of his administration, local and International investors have been coming into Nigeria in droves.

    He said the pilot of his achievements has been marketing this sector within and outside the country and it has generated a lot of results.

    Alake said the President looks to the era in the nearest future, where all sectors of the Nigerian social, political and economic landscape will return to the days of glory.

    He said this yesterday in Abuja at the 13th Induction ceremony of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientist (COMEG).     

    He said, “This is a very significant occasion in the annals of Nigeria. Why is this significant? Because, like I said somewhere else where the cost of history in this country today lies and also because, in today’s world we are in the era of solid media. In today’s world, the world is clamouring for energy transition as a global upsurge the moving away from traditional fossil fuel dependency on oil, hydrocarbon into green and which is cleaning energy.

    “The trend in the globe today and that presupposes that the world must look for those ingredients that would sustain the energy transition that will keep the earth going for not just a decade but keep the earth going for centuries to come. Now where are these minerals? Critical metals, industrial metals, energy metal, they are scattered all over the globe and Nigeria is so lucky to be one of those very significant countries contributors of these energy minerals and that is where solid minerals comes in. Which underscores the importance of this occasion today because you thr inductees form a significant part of the value chain of the exploration, exploitation, extraction and processing of solid minerals in Nigeria.

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

    “Another significant part is that for Nigeria’s economic diversification and survival, must look closer into the solid minerals sector because we have always been with dependent on oil. The world is moving away from oil, if we do not move with the world if we sit on our ass and do nothing, years down the line, Nigeria will be gnashing its teeth.

    “People are saying there is poverty, there is economic crunch, Yes. It is not only peculiar to Nigeria, if you watch the global trends, in terms of prices of commodities and goods globally, you look at the stock markets. You will know that Nigeria is not in isolation with the economic implications of the global trend, however we must be creative in our own survival instincts and efforts, we must think outside the box and that is why in his wisdom, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, decided that we must shift focus, there must be a total paradigm shift from our dependency on oil to activating the potentialities embedded in the solid material.

    “That’s the philosophy behind the creation of the solid ministry or the splitting up of the former mines and steel ministry in order to concentrate for our energy resources, mental capacity into developing this very critical sector. Having expressed all of these sentiments your role in the value chain, cannot be under emphasised or over emphasised because you are professional engineers, professional geoscientist. These are very critical elements needed in the activation of the Solid Minerals sector.

    “So if we do not get it right from your level, Nigeria cannot get right on the levels of exploration, exploitation, not to talk of earning judiciously.

    “Our sector the Solid Minerals is very technical, highly technical. You must avail yourself of constant knowledge, seeking for knowledge, expand your horizons. You are very highly trained and the criticality of your training will be put to bear on the success or otherwise, of the vision of Mr President in this sector, to play the crucial role that would help in contributing to the GDP of Nigeria and of course, earn enough revenue and infrastructural development for the benefit of us all.

    “The President looks to the era in the nearest future, where all sectors of the Nigerian social, political and economic landscape will return to the days of glory.

    “If you notice, since I assumed office in this sector three months ago, the pilot of my achievements has been marketing this sector within and outside the country and it has generated a lot of results, investors both locally and internationally are coming to us in droves, making enquiries, wanting to get involved, wanting to bring in their Direct Foreign Investments to our economy, however the criticality of your role comes with a fore here because ones these investors come in, you are the first bet of our public relations managers to them because they need geoscientist, mining engineers fir visibility study development, exploitation activities, traction and ti add value to their investments.

    “So you are very crucial so to that extent if you do not play your role adequately, they would be disappointed in Nigeria, in fact they would take their money and go back to more serious climes.

    “When you say there are leakages and wastage, we all know that there are leakages in every economy in the world, what we strive to do is make those leakages and loopholes less functional to the system but when you realistically look at these numbers, you realise that we gave a long way to go and that is where solid minerals comes in to save the day and Nigeria, we must begin to do our bid in our various different corners.”

    Alake said as from today, No mining engineer or geoscientist would be recognised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals without being recognised by COMEG because the government needs to sanitise the sector.

  • Local, international investors coming to us in droves – Alake

    Local, international investors coming to us in droves – Alake

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said in the three months of his administration, local and international investors have been coming into Nigeria in droves.

    He said the pilot of his achievements has been marketing this sector within and outside the country and it has generated a lot of results.

    Alake said the President looks to the era in the nearest future, where all sectors of the Nigerian social, political and economic landscape will return to the days of glory.

    He said this on Thursday, December 14, in Abuja at the 13th Induction ceremony of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG).      

    He said: “This is a very significant occasion in the annals of Nigeria. Why is this significant? Because, like I said somewhere else is where the cost of history in this country today lies and also because, in today’s world we are in the era of solid media. In today’s world. The world is clamouring for energy transition as a global upsurge the moving away from traditional fossil fuel dependency on oil, and hydrocarbon into green and cleaning energy.

    “The trend in the globe today presupposes that the world must look for those ingredients that would sustain the energy transition that will keep the earth going for not just a decades but keep the earth going for centuries to come. Now where are these minerals? Critical metals, industrial metals, and energy metals are scattered all over the globe and Nigeria is so lucky to be one of those very significant countries contributors of these energy minerals and that is where solid minerals come in. This underscores the importance of this occasion today because you the inductees form a significant part of the value chain of the exploration, exploitation, extraction and processing of solid minerals in Nigeria.

    “Another significant part is that for Nigeria’s economic diversification and survival, must look closer into the solid minerals sector because we have always been dependent on oil. The world is moving away from oil, if we do not move with the world if we sit on our ass and do nothing, years down the line, Nigeria will be gnashing its teeth.

    Read Also: Powerful Nigerians involved in illegal mining, sponsorship of banditry, says Dele Alake

    “People are saying there is poverty, there is economic crunch, yes. It’s not only peculiar to Nigeria, if you watch the global trends, in terms of prices of commodities and goods globally, you look at the stock markets. You will know that Nigeria is not in isolation with the economic implications of the global trend, however, we must be creative in our own survival instincts and efforts, we must think outside the box and that is why in his wisdom, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, decided that we must shift focus, there must be a total paradigm shift from our dependency on oil to activating the potentialities embedded in the solid material.

    “That’s the philosophy behind the creation of the solid ministry or the splitting up of the former mines and steel ministry in order to concentrate our energy resources, and mental capacity into developing this very critical sector. Having expressed all of these sentiments your role in the value chain, cannot be under-emphasised or over-emphasised because you are a professional engineers, professional geoscientist. These are very critical elements needed in the activation of the Solid Minerals sector.

    “So if we do not get it right from your level, Nigeria cannot get right on the levels of exploration, exploitation, not to talk of earning judiciously.

    “Our sector the Solid Minerals is very technical, highly technical. You must avail yourself of constant knowledge, seeking for knowledge, expand your horizons. You are very highly trained and the criticality of your training will be put to bear on the success or otherwise, of the vision of Mr President in this sector, to play the crucial role that would help in contributing to the GDP of Nigeria and of course, earn enough revenue and infrastructural development for the benefit of us all.

    “The president looks to the era in the nearest future, where all sectors of the Nigerian social, political and economic landscape will return to the days of glory.

    “If you notice, since I assumed office in this sector three months ago, the pilot of my achievements has been marketing this sector within and outside the country and it has generated a lot of results, investors both locally and internationally are coming to us in droves, making enquiries, wanting to get involved, wanting to bring in their Direct Foreign Investments to our economy, however, the criticality of your role comes with a fore here because ones these investors come in, you are the first bet of our public relations managers to them because they need geoscientist, mining engineers fir visibility study development, exploitation activities, traction and to add value to their investments.

    “So you are very crucial so to that extent if you do not play your role adequately, they would be disappointed in Nigeria, in fact, they would take their money and go back to more serious climes.

    “When you say there are leakages and wastage, we all know that there are leakages in every economy in the world, what we strive to do is make those leakages and loopholes less functional to the system but when you realistically look at these numbers, you realise that we gave a long way to go and that is where solid minerals come in to save the day and Nigeria, we must begin to do our bid in our various different corners.”

    Alake said as of today, No mining engineer or geoscientist would be recognised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals without being recognised by COMEG because the government needs to sanitise the sector.

  • Alake: lithium exploration tops investors’ interest

    Alake: lithium exploration tops investors’ interest

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake yesterday told the Senate committees on Appropriations and Solid Minerals that compared to other mineral deposits, Investors are more interested in exploring Nigeria’s Lithium.

    He said International investors have shown enthusiasm to invest in the sector, with Lithium topping the list of minerals whose value chain has attracted the most attention.

    Alake also said Solid minerals is the next petroleum of Nigeria, adding that  for Nigeria to critically, efficiently, and proficiently harness this resources and convert it to revenue and increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must lay certain ground rules.

    Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, who made this known in a press statement yesterday in Abuja, said the Senate committees on Appropriations and Solid Minerals affirmed the imperative of increasing budgetary allocations to the solid minerals development ministry to enable the mining sector lead the way in diversifying the nation’s economy.

    Alake said a solid foundation has been laid for the development of solid minerals in the country, saying solid minerals will assume the next petroleum of Nigeria, “but for us to critically, efficiently, and proficiently harness this resources and convert it to revenue and increase our GDP, we must lay certain ground rules. 

    “We must put in place some enduring  infrastructure.  To tackle illegal mining and other sharp practices, we must put in place a pre-emptive strategy that will reduce the proclivity to commit such vices.  That’s what my team and I decided to do when I came in through a 7-point agenda which I announced to the world and is contained in the document I passed to you,” Alake said.

    He added, “Speaking further, the Minister asserted that the first step he undertook was to generate attention for the mining sector within the country and in the international community, which he noted has yielded tremendous fruits as international investors have shown enthusiasm to invest in the sector, with Lithium topping the list of minerals, which value chain has attracted the most attention.

    Read Also: ‘Insurers show strengthin claims payment’

    He said having shifted global interest to Nigeria’s solid minerals, the next most crucial step would be the generation of the necessary geoscientific data, saying it is essential to guide investors in making informed decisions or projections on available mineral resources. 

    “For instance, previous work in the geo-data section has shown that we have about 44 minerals that are in demand, globally. However, we do not have data that will tell us the quantum of what we have across the country. What the investors or operators are doing now are partly speculative, and no big player will come into our sector, based on speculation. All of these are contingent on the geo-scientific data we can generate, and these things don’t come cheap. We don’t have equipment locally, we don’t have certain technical personnel. This means that we rely on international assistance. This means distinguished senators that we need your assistance in terms of budgetary allocations, “the minister added.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on Solid minerals, Sen. Ekong Samson, praised Alake for his presentation, assuring him of the support of the committee in ensuring solid minerals achieve its potential to become the next petroleum of the country. 

  • Tinubu committed to diversifying economy through solid minerals – Alake

    Tinubu committed to diversifying economy through solid minerals – Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says President Bola Tinubu has identified the solid minerals sector as a pillar of Nigeria’s current efforts to diversify the economy.

    Alake made the disclosure while discussing prospects for deep sea mining in Nigeria’s coastal waters during a visit to the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom, according to a statement.

    The statement issued in Abuja on Monday was signed by Alake’s Special Adviser, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan.

    Alake said that the ministry had developed a seven-point agenda that included  establishment of a solid minerals company.

    He said that the agenda also included gathering of big data on minerals reserve to keep mines safe, among other things.

    He added that the agenda included socio-economic development of mining communities through effective community development agreements.

    The minister urged that the Commonwealth should support efforts of the Tinubu administration.

    He said that the ministry would study a dimension of deep sea mining, in collaboration with other ministries, and put together a proposal for further consideration.

    Read Also: Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Commonwealth’s Senior Director of Trade, Oceans and Natural Resources Department, Mr Paul Kautoke, praised the Nigerian delegation for visiting the Commonwealth Secretariat.

    Kautoke said that Nigeria, as a coastal country, could explore the prospects of  deep sea minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel, gold and rare earth elements.

    He said that many Commonwealth countries in the Pacific region were making inroads into deep sea mining.

    He said that the Commonwealth could assist to develop a policy, in that regard, for Nigeria.

    (NAN)

  • 100 Days: Alake’s Midas Touch Spurs Global Interest in Mining Sector

    100 Days: Alake’s Midas Touch Spurs Global Interest in Mining Sector

    • By Segun Tomori

    The world over, the first 100 days of a leader’s assumption of office usually sets the tone for his leadership style, gives a glimpse into the policy direction and lays the foundation for assessing his vision or otherwise. Conceptualized by the then United States President Franklin Roosevelt, it soon became a benchmark, globally, to measure the early success of a president or public servant. 

    The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), though hitherto co-existing with Steel Development as Ministry of Mines and Steel, Nigerians and indeed the international community paid scant regard to it, despite having the potential to generate at least $700bn revenue. Almost every state in Nigeria has a preponderance of most sought-after mineral resources in commercial quantities, yet the potential of the sector remained under-utilized, absence of efficient governance structures stifled development alongside the menace of illegal mining and opaque nature of the sector. Visibility for the industry was also hampered by fixation on oil by successive governments, but all of that changed with the advent of President Bola Tinubu administration and the appointment of Dr. Dele Alake as Minister.

    Alake swung into action by conceptualizing a 7-point agenda that pragmatically seeks to reform, restore investor confidence, and renew global interest. He identified eight (8) priority minerals that require immediate intervention and focus – gold, baryte, iron-ore, lead/zinc, coal, limestone, bitumen, and lithium. Within his first 100 days, several landmarks have been recorded already. Of particular significance is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a German firm, Geo Scan GmbN who will deploy their cutting-edge proprietary technology that will be able to explore mineral resources up to 10,000m below the earth. The firm will deploy its plant and establish its technology at no cost to Nigeria. This will culminate in the generation of big data on specific eight priority minerals and their deposits – a cardinal plank of the Minister’s agenda.

    Recently, Alake launched revised guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDA), which aims to ensure host communities derive maximum benefits from operations of mining companies whilst requisite royalties accruable to government is secured for economic development. “The mining companies must ensure that host communities enjoy the benefit of minerals in the belly of their land while host communities must also ensure a free and unfettered environment for smooth operations. Without peace, there will be no gain for anybody”, he asserted, at the launch. At a separate fora, Dr. Alake pledged to strengthen the ministry’s mines inspectorate to enhance its ability to ascertain authenticity of mining agreements and also hinted about a role for traditional rulers in the signing of agreements on behalf of host communities.

    In furtherance of reforms, Dr. Alake announced, days ago, the revocation of 1,633 mining licenses due to default in payment of stipulated annual service fees. The operators had exceeded by almost three weeks, the 30-day notice to clear their indebtedness, issued by the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) as stipulated by Sections 11 and 12 of the Nigerian Mineral Mining Act (NMMA). Reading the riot act to other category of defaulting operators, Alake declared that the era of shortchanging government in royalties and taxes, amongst others, is over, warning illegal miners to also desist from their illicit trade. “Like I always say, a new sheriff is in town. President Tinubu has the political will and is committed to total reforms. Those that refuse to turn a new leaf will be made to face the full wrath of the law”.

    Plans for the establishment of Mines Police and mine surveillance task force to effectively secure the mining environment are in full swing. The clearest indication of this was the visit of Minister of Defence, HE Abubakar Badru and his Minister of State, HE Bello Matawelle to Alake’s office, few weeks ago.

    Giving an insight into what transpired at the meeting, Matawelle pledged unalloyed support and collaboration with the solid minerals ministry to secure all mining sites in the country, restating the significance of the sector to Nigeria’s economic development. On the new security architecture, Dr. Alake emphasized that the outfit will encompass an infusion of a huge dose of technology while its structure will be developed in collaboration with all inter-military agencies. Part of proposed technological innovations will be the capacity to covertly monitor all mining sites in the country, detect intrusion, and provide rapid response to nip threats in the bud.

    Aside from giant strides on the home front, engaging the international community on the prospects of investing in a revamped mining sector has been a top priority for the minister in the last 100 days. Quite a number of diplomatic shuttles have started yielding fruits. A deal for free training of Nigerian mining professionals on modern mining technology and practices was signed in Australia by Dr. Alake on behalf of Nigeria, and Hon. Bill Johnston, the Australian Minister of Mines and Petroleum, on behalf of Australia. Nigerian miners will benefit from training, study trips, and exchanges of mineral professionals, while the collaboration will also attract foreign direct investment, enabling Nigeria to compete globally.

    Just days ago, the Minister made a strong pitch for investment in Nigeria’s mining sector at the Mines and Money Conference in London. He thrilled his audience with advantages of investing in Nigeria, citing lower production costs due to surface mining and billions of dollars of untapped minerals lying fallow in the country. “The country’s geological bounty encompasses over 44 distinct mineral types, found in exploitable quantities, across more than 500 locations. Recently, recognizing the evolving global landscape and in response to emerging trends, Lithium has been included as a crucial strategic mineral of global consequence”, he added. Not done, The Minister assured that the Tinubu administration is dismantling bottlenecks to ease of doing business in the sector, addressing security challenges and placing premium on solid minerals beneficiation and value-addition, as a panacea for sustainable growth in the sector.

    Read Also: Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    A major highlight of the enthusiasm that trailed Dr. Alake’s performance was the subsequent high-level meeting with British Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden. Dowden, who chairs British National Economic Security Council, is interested in partnering with Nigeria on energy minerals such as Lithium. Alongside founder of Carousel Bio-energy, Jafar Hilali, the British leader promised to facilitate investment by a consortium of British companies in the Lithium value chain that will culminate in the production of Lithium battery powered energy buses for the Nigerian domestic market. In the spirit of strengthened relations, Mr. Dowden seized the occasion to convey the invitation of the British Government to President Tinubu to attend the African summit, scheduled for next year.

    On the sidelines of the London conference was also a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary for Energy and Natural Resources, Geoffrey Pratt. Both leaders agreed to set up a joint team of officials to explore financing for credit to mining firms and infrastructures. Pratt expressed satisfaction with the ongoing reforms announced by the Minister at the plenary of the conference, stressing that the US would like to be Nigeria’s partner of choice in developing the solid minerals sector.

    Already, there is palpable excitement in the mining industry on account of the  renewed interest of government in the sector. Alake’s office has been a beehive of activities as local and foreign investors continue to troop in, seeking to contribute their quota to mining sector development.

    In just three months, Dr. Alake has led the charge with the dexterity of a skilful visionary, shifting global attention to Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris during a recent courtesy visit, aptly captured the essence of the “Alake magic”- “Since he came here, he has managed to put solid minerals on the front burner, to the extent that people are becoming extremely envious of this ministry, because of the work he has done. It is not a mistake that the president brought him here. He knows that he can turn things around”.

    Like they say, “the reward for good work is more work”. That will be the mantra of the Minister as he seeks to consolidate on his “Agenda for the Transformation of Solid minerals for International Competitiveness and Domestic Prosperity”. Key elements like creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation; Joint Ventures with Mining Multinationals; Creation of six (6) Mineral Processing centres to focus on value-added products amongst others, will ascend the implementation stage, in the coming months. Indeed, it is a new dawn for the mining sector. Renewed Hope is here! 

    ●Segun Tomori is the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development_

  • Sanitising the space

    Sanitising the space

    • Solid minerals deserve pride of place in the economy

    For too long, solid minerals have been relegated in the bid to rev up the country’s economy. The last time that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) came up with data on its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it stood at an insignificant 0.65 per cent. This is appalling when compared to the sector’s performance in other African countries like Botswana and South Africa in the same 2021. It contributed 40 per cent to Botswana and 18 per cent to the South African GDP.

    This is why we support the ambitious plan of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who, in unfolding a seven-point agenda, has promised to raise its contribution to 50 per cent during his tenure.

    To many, this would appear a tall order, to leap from less than one per cent to 50 per cent, overtaking the traditional giants like agriculture, oil and gas, as well as manufacturing by one quantum leap.

    No doubt, there is no country on the African continent that is as well endowed with mineral resources as Nigeria. The country is said to have at least 44 mineral resources in about 500 locations. But, over the years, successive governments have left the sector to artisans and illegal miners, using crude implements and robbing the country of needed revenue.

    We endorse the Alake agenda and hope it would be backed with necessary action.

    Read Also; Kano CTC: Judicial officers involved will be punished – NJC

    One area where the Tinubu administration has taken action already, giving the impression that it means business, is getting all participants in the sector registered. On October 10, the Solid Minerals Ministry published in the Federal Government Gazzette the list of more than 2,000 licenced miners who had failed to pay the token N1,500 per cadaster per annum as required by law. They were all given the 30 days’ notice to regularise their payments.

     By November 10, 1,633 failed to respond and their licences were consequently revoked.

    Government should not go back on this, because if they could not pay just the annual due meant to show they were still interested, how would they pay taxes and other dues to the national coffers?

    The minister has been active in visiting countries recognised as giants in the sector. He was able to generate sufficient interest among businessmen in Canada. It is expected that the revocation of redundant licences would free up space for serious foreign investors, if backed up by incentives as the Federal Government has promised.

    We are aware that some foreigners have taken advantage of the existing poor regulatory framework.

     In states like Zamfara, Osun, Niger and Plateau, among others, the environment is despoiled, foreigners are seen exploiting indigenes, cheap child labour, contrary to the law, is engaged and security is easily breached. All this must stop if Nigeria is to leap ahead like other countries.

    It is inconceivable and unpardonable that the sector only raked in N819 billion into the national coffers between 2007 and 2021. To achieve its aim, the ministry needs all the support it could get from the ministries of finance, budget, trade commerce and industry, as well as foreign affairs.

    We call on Dr. Alake to quickly put the structure of his ministry in order, with zonal and state offices where necessary. He also needs to carry out an assessment of the staff he inherited with a view to weeding out those who might fall short of requirement.

     It is no secret that the country’s economy has been bleeding for years and now is the time to bind the wound in all areas. One of the immediate steps that must be taken is to have a unit of the police gorce specially to monitor the mining areas. This will require support of the state governments and  traditional rulers.

    Also, the minister should ensure that international standards are maintained so that national values are not appropriated by unconscionable individuals as is the case today in the oil sector.

    Perhaps the starting point is bringing together experts and stakeholders to understand the stance of this government. Excuses will not be sufficient in this era when Nigerians expect so much from the Tinubu administration.

  • Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Alake tours agencies under Solid Minerals ministry

    Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake has begun a tour of agencies under the ministry.

    The visit is aimed at canvassing reforms and adherence to due process in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Tinubu administration.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the tour kicked off with a visit to the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO).

    Alake lauded the agency’s efforts as the custodian of mineral titles, stressing the need for it to do more in addressing perceived inadequacies.

    MCO’s Director General Obadiah Nkom said the agency digitalised its operations in 2022 migrating to an online platform called Electronic Mining Cadastral System.

    He assured Alake that the management was making efforts to fine-tune the licensing processes and make it more efficient in collaboration with the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver).

    Alake noted that any infractions committed by MCO would affect the ministry’s image, being its major agency that interfaces with the public.

    “The public puts this agency in the prism of the entire ministry. Since I assumed office, 90 per cent of all issues that have come to my table on the entire solid mineral activities have been connected to the MCO; whether complaints, commendations, infractions, or otherwise.

    “The issues around multiplicity or duplicity of licenses and perceived underhand dealings traceable to the agency must be addressed. The perception must change. We will not hesitate to wield the big stick where necessary, If the agency does not reform itself, Dr. Alake asserted,” Alake said.

    Read Also: Senate vows to sack, jail NNPCL GCEO Kyari, others

    At the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), its Director General, Dr. Abdulrasak Garba, told the minister that the agency had been pivotal to the generation of geosciences information for the development of the mining sector.

    He also said the NGSA was in charge of the production of geological, geophysical, and geochemical maps of Nigeria, amongst other functions.

    Responding, Alake said: “I must say you are doing a good job by generating a lot of relevant data that is critical for informed decisions by decision makers, entrepreneurs in all fields.

    “I have gone through the literature submitted during my initial briefing and I can see at a glance the functions that you do. I am quite glad that you have been living up to the billing and performing quite effectively. But there is always room for improvement.”

    At the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Alake told the Registrar, Prof. Zacheus Opafunsho, and his management team that they were like a quasi-academic institute for accrediting and certifying mining professionals in the country.

  • Alake tours solid minerals agencies

    Alake tours solid minerals agencies

    The minister of solid minerals development, Dele Alake, has commenced a tour of the agencies under the Solid Minerals Ministry.

    The visit is aimed at canvassing reforms and adherence to due process in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration.

    The special assistant on media to the minister, Segun Tomori, in a press statement said the Alake’s tour started with a visit to the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO).

    He stated: “Speaking at his first port of call, the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), the Minister lauded efforts of the agency as the custodian of mineral titles, stressing the need to do more in addressing perceived inadequacies, emphasizing that the perception of progress in the mining sector is contingent on the activity or inactivity of the MCO.

    “In his welcome address, the Director-General of MCO, Engr. Obadiah Nkom expressed delight in being the first agency to host the Minister. Restating the functions of the agency as the issuer of mining licenses, he revealed the MCO moved in 2022 to digitize its operations through migration to an online platform called Electronic Mining Cadastral System.

    “According to him, though the new platform led to a significant number of applications, he admitted some challenges such as delays in processing applications as a result of backlogs from the old system. Engr. Nkom assured that efforts are ongoing to fine-tune the processes and make them more efficient in collaboration with World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification, MinDiver.

    “Alake in his response, charged the agency to improve its productivity, emphasizing that whatever infractions committed by MCO have a smearing effect on the ministry, as it is the major agency that interfaces with the public.

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    “The public puts this agency in the prism of the entire ministry. Since I assumed office, 90% of all issues that have come to my table on the entire solid mineral activities have been connected to the MCO, whether complaints, commendations, infractions, or otherwise. The issues around the multiplicity or duplicity of licenses and perceived underhand dealings traceable to the agency must be addressed. The perception must change. We will not hesitate to wield the big stick where necessary if the agency does not reform itself.”

    He further added: “At the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), the Director-General, Dr. Abdulrasak Garba whilst welcoming the Minister revealed that the agency has been pivotal to the generation of geosciences information for the development of the mining sector in line with its mandate. He also said the NGSA has been in charge of the production of geological, geophysical, and geochemical maps of Nigeria, amongst other functions. Garba cited funding constraints as a challenge, appealing for the Minister’s intervention.

    “Dr. Alake in his remarks said that the functions of NGSA, aside from the mining sector cut across all sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial development, stressing it is akin to the foundation of developmental efforts of any nation.

    “I must say you are doing a good job generating a lot of relevant data that are critical for informed decisions by decision-makers makers, entrepreneurs in all fields. I have gone through the literature submitted during my initial briefing, and I can see at a glance the functions that you do I am quite glad that you have been living up to the billing and performing quite effectively but there is always room for improvement.

    “These days of the paucity of funds, like you mentioned, it becomes imperative that we become genius in our creative endeavours. We must ask ourselves how to become independent. I see no reason why NGSA cannot be self-sustaining because what you generate is in demand.

    “At his last port of call, the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Alake, in his address to the Registrar, Prof. Zacheus Opafunsho and his management team likened the agency to a quasi-academic institute in view of its role of accrediting and certifying mining professionals, noting COMEG is assisting to ensure quality control in the mineral sector. On funding challenges, the Minister assured of efforts to ensure the agency is captured in the budgetary allocation of the coming fiscal year but also urged the agency to look inward.

    “While we do our own bit of ensuring you have budgetary provisions, it can never be enough. My advice is to be creative. Seat down with members of your team and think out of the box. One way is to increase your membership fees. Whoever does not pay, you have a restriction on them. On our own part, and henceforth, any report from the extractive industry or mining engineers that does not contain the COMEG stamp should not even be brought to my attention.”

  • Why technology will play crucial role in sanitizing mining sector, by Alake

    Why technology will play crucial role in sanitizing mining sector, by Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has stressed the important role of technology in revitalizing and enhancing the mining sector to bolster its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking while playing host to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, Alake noted that the solid minerals sector relies on a huge dose of technology to sanitize the solid minerals sector in areas such as the scientific geo-data generation, addressing security challenges and all other ancillary matters around the mining value chain.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Segun Tomori, on Monday, November 6.

    Alake said: “For instance, the security architecture that we are rejigging, we are going to inject a large measure of technology into it. Where else to go but the Science, innovation, and Technology Ministry, to assist us in this regard and that’s why my brother Minister has come in and we are consolidating, discussing, and moving the issue forward to ensure that at the end of the day, there is synergy in all our operations.

    “That was part of the essence of the ministerial retreat we had last week. So the visit is in furtherance of our collaborative efforts to ensure that the solid minerals ministry is a beneficiary of all the innovations that will be pushed out.”

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    In his remarks, Mr. Nnaji affirmed the imperative of partnership to assist the solid minerals ministry to take advantage of innovations that will keep the minister abreast of activities within the mining sector.

    He said: “We have a lot of innovations in Science and Tech. We have a satellite approach to what they do in the Solid Minerals Ministry such that even on the Minister’s desk here, he can see all the licenses they have issued and be able to monitor whenever there is an intrusion into a

    mining area or someone is mining illegally. All these, he will be able to decipher from his desk. That is part of the discussion we have held and how to actually be in consonance with the Renewed Hope agenda.”