Tag: Alake

• ’Fed Govt to upscale industrialisation’

For Africa to derive maximum benefits from its mineral resources, it must embark on a conscious value-addition policy to its mineral resources before exporting them.

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Henry Alake, said this yesterday at the opening session of the fourth African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2025 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The minister noted that Africa’s mineral wealth holds immense potential for meeting the continent’s sustainable development goals.

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“We seek to build a future where Africa’s natural wealth is no longer a statistic in someone else’s report. We aspire to a continent where its natural wealth serves as a driving force for industrial growth, equity, and sustainable development,” he said.

The minister attributed the country’s progress in the sector to the implementation of reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He said: “We have implemented sweeping reforms to formalise mining and boost domestic value addition. New policies now require every mining licence to include a plan for local processing, and we have increased enforcement…

“Last year, Nigeria’s mining sector secured over $800 million in investments for processing projects, while government revenues increased significantly.

“Sector revenues rose from N6 billion in 2023 to N38 billion in 2024.”

Alake announced that the Federal Government had signed a deal to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing and processing factory.

 “We are fostering the battery and EV industries in Nigeria. We have signed a deal to build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing and processing factory, and plans are underway to establish electric vehicle assembly plants.

“Let us build a continent where Africa’s natural wealth serves as a driving force for industrial growth, equity, and sustainable development.

 “Let this summit be the place where bold commitments are made, and where value addition becomes a shared continental goal,” he said.

The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho, hailed Africa for identifying its problems and proffering solutions.

“It’s time for African countries to work together in creating jobs and wealth that can transform the region and the people for global development,” he said.

Also, Alake has said Nigeria is committed to upscaling its solid mineral industrialisation and value addition.

He spoke in Lagos at the 10th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) Conference and Exhibition with the theme: Decade of Energy Transition for Economic Prosperity.

The minister, who was represented by the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Dr. Obadiah Nkom, described Nigeria’s mineral endowment as vast, yet with little economic impact on the nation.

“This conference is a strategic step to reposition the sector for sustainable growth and in alignment with our national priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

“The government is prioritising policies that will attract investments in mineral processing plants, refinery projects, and finished goods production within Nigeria.

“This approach will create jobs for millions of Nigerians, build local capacity and position Nigeria as a competitive hub for critical minerals and mineral-based products in Africa,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Legal Services, Naboth Onyesoh, said the objectives of the board were to promote and enforce the development of indigenous capabilities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

“This involves encouraging local manufacturing, technology transfer, human capital development, and utilisation of locally-produced goods and services.

The Investment Director at AII On, Mr. Seye Bassir, said the Federal Government had a lot of policies around the energy transition and climate change.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr.  Dele Alake yesterday read riot act to stakeholders in the mining sector in the country, asking them to meet up, deliver measurable and people-centered results in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and global changes in the mining landscape.

He said the era of business-as-usual is over in the sector, stressing that key players in the sector must pursue a new paradigm of governance, rooted in accountability, innovation, and measurable results.

Alake advised all key players to break from the old habits and reposition the sector for country’s economic diversification at the 2-day Ministerial Retreat themed, “Enhancing Performance, Strengthening Accountability, and Fostering Innovation in the Solid Minerals Sector,” in Abuja on Friday.

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Highlighting reforms introduced to reposition the sector, Alake cited the creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Company, a public-private investment vehicle to unlock billions in foreign capital; a historic ₦1 trillion exploration budget to bridge Nigeria’s mineral data gap; and the launch of the Mining Marshals, a dedicated 2,350-member task force cracking down on illegal mining.

“In 2023, we generated ₦6 billion from mining licences. By 2024, it rose to ₦12.58 billion. Royalties doubled to ₦36.8 billion. We have formalised over 300 artisanal cooperatives to drive legal mining. These figures prove that commitment delivers results,” Alake said.

He urged the Ministry’s officials to seize the moment: “The global energy transition is redrawing mining value chains. Nigeria must not be left behind. The era of business as usual is over our charge is clear: deliver results for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are building the future, not just managing the present. Our children and their children must see the results of our Renewed Hope.”

He then commended the collaborative support of the National Assembly and appealed for more legislative backings to enable the ministry actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In his remarks, Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Ekong Sampson, pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry to unlock Nigeria’s underground wealth.

“I commend our Minister for convening this timely retreat. It sets the tone for the next phase of collaboration. From gold to lithium, bitumen to coal our minerals hold the key to diversifying our economy, creating jobs, and earning the foreign exchange we need. We are ready to provide the legislative framework to make it happen.”

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Honourable Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, applauded the recent reforms in the sector, describing them as the game-changer.

“The Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Company is a masterstroke this is our chance to replicate Norway’s oil success story, but with minerals. We must build resilient institutions that serve our communities for generations.

“In less than two years, we moved from $6 billion to $38 billion in revenue, and attracted over $800 billion in foreign direct investment,” Gbefwi noted.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Yabo Faruk Yusuf, atrributed the successes recorded by the Minstry on teamwork and dedication, which has earned  the Ministry’s Service Excellence award.

“This award shows what we can achieve when we put our shoulders to the wheel. Our job now is to turn this momentum into measurable results for the Nigerian people.”

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, said the retreat is a moment of rebirth for the entire sector.

“Retreat’ means we want to make things better,” Nkom said to resounding applause. “Apart from the wealth beneath our feet, we our capacity are the real wealth. By the time we leave here, we must be recharged and ready to deliver a sector that attracts investors and transforms communities.”

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Friday issued a stern warning to stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining sector, insisting they must deliver measurable, people-focused results in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda and evolving global mining standards.

Speaking at a two-day Ministerial Retreat in Abuja themed “Enhancing Performance, Strengthening Accountability, and Fostering Innovation in the Solid Minerals Sector,” Alake declared that the era of “business-as-usual” was over.

He challenged key players in the sector to embrace a new governance paradigm rooted in accountability, innovation, and concrete outcomes. “We are building the future, not just managing the present,” he stated. “Our children and their children must see the results of our Renewed Hope.”

Alake outlined major reforms already introduced to reposition the sector, including the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Company—a public-private investment vehicle designed to attract billions in foreign capital; a historic ₦1 trillion exploration budget to close Nigeria’s mineral data gap; and the deployment of 2,350 Mining Marshals to tackle illegal mining activities.

Highlighting progress made, Alake noted, “In 2023, we generated ₦6 billion from mining licences. By 2024, that figure jumped to ₦12.58 billion. Royalties doubled to ₦36.8 billion. We’ve also formalised over 300 artisanal cooperatives to support legal mining.”

He urged officials and industry players to take advantage of the global energy transition to reposition Nigeria in the mining value chain, warning that failure to act decisively would leave the country behind.

The Minister also applauded the National Assembly for its support and called for increased legislative backing to fully implement the sector’s transformation agenda.

In solidarity, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Ekong Sampson, commended Alake’s bold leadership and pledged continued collaboration. “From gold to lithium, bitumen to coal—our minerals can diversify our economy, create jobs, and generate critical foreign exchange,” he said.

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Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, hailed the ongoing reforms as a “game-changer” for unlocking the country’s vast underground resources.

“The Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Company is a masterstroke. This is our chance to replicate Norway’s oil success story, but with minerals. We must build resilient institutions that serve our communities for generations.

“In less than two years, we moved from $6 billion to $38 billion in revenue, and attracted over $800 billion in foreign direct investment,” Gbefwi noted.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Yabo Faruk Yusuf, attributed the successes recorded by the Ministry on teamwork and dedication, which has earned  the Ministry’s Service Excellence award.

“This award shows what we can achieve when we put our shoulders to the wheel. Our job now is to turn this momentum into measurable results for the Nigerian people.”

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, said the retreat is a moment of rebirth for the entire sector.

“Retreat’ means we want to make things better,” Nkom said to resounding applause. “Apart from the wealth beneath our feet, we our capacity are the real wealth. By the time we leave here, we must be recharged and ready to deliver a sector that attracts investors and transforms communities.”

For four days in July, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and mining experts across Africa will brainstorm on how to transform the continent’s vast natural resource and energy wealth as well as ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the sector. 

The continental event, which kicks off on July, will be held at the State House Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Alake and the experts will also feature a high-powered delegation from the Indian Business Council during the event.

This year’s summit, with the theme: Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development, will bring together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture, and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors.

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The experts will discuss how to develop bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said: “The conference aims to promote the development and financing of green energy projects, facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, develop supportive policies for the natural resources sector whilst highlighting investment opportunities across the continent.”

During the event, Alake will throw more light on the reforms and efforts of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to make Nigeria a viable investment destination and ensure that the mining sector leads Nigeria’s industrial renaissance.

Other speakers at the conference will include the Kenyan Secretary of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho; Liberia’s former Minister of Agriculture, Jeanine Cooper; the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Damilola Ogunbiyi.

The statement added that Mr. Segun Lawson will represent the private sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake and experts in mining in Africa are to brainstorm on how to transform the continent’s vast natural resources and energy wealth into inclusive and sustainable economic growth. 

The 4-day event will be held at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, from 14th to 17th July 2025, and will also feature a high-powered delegation from the Indian Business Council.

This year’s summit, themed “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development”, brings together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policymakers in these sectors, across the continent, to develop bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration.

A statement by the Special Assistant, Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, in Abuja said that this year’s summit, themed “Harnessing Local Content for Sustainable Development”, will bring together professionals in mining, energy, agriculture and finance alongside policy makers in these sectors, across the continent.

He also said the summit will develop bold solutions that will chart a pathway for sustainable growth through local innovation and collaboration.

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According to the statement, “the conference aims to promote the development and financing of green energy projects, facilitate trade and knowledge sharing, and develop supportive policies for the natural resources sector whilst highlighting investment opportunities across the continent.”

Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development Minister will be throwing more light on reforms and efforts of the Tinubu administration to not only make Nigeria a viable investment destination but also make the mining sector lead Nigeria’s industrial renaissance.

Other speakers at the conference will include the Kenyan Secretary of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, Liberia’s former Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Jeanine Cooper, Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, while Segun Lawson will represent the private sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on world leaders and stakeholders in the solid minerals industry to embrace global collaboration in driving a sustainable energy transition.

He emphasised that the future of electricity, transportation, and global prosperity hinges on decisions made today.

The minister made the call at the ongoing Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris, France.

A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja on Sunday said that the Minister stressed the importance of global partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable mining sector.

“With the emergence of the global energy transition, there has never been a more critical moment for decisive leadership. The future of electricity, transportation, telecommunications, and indeed global prosperity depends on the work we do here. Let us embrace this opportunity—not just to discuss change, but to drive it.”

Highlighting the critical role of mining in the global shift toward greener energy, Alake emphasized the need for smarter site selection, optimized operations, sustainable processing, waste management, and environmental stewardship as a responsibility owed to future generations—not merely a policy aspiration.

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The minister outlined Nigeria’s proactive steps to attract investment into its solid minerals sector, citing investor-friendly incentives such as import duty waivers, accelerated capital allowances, and tax holidays.

He stressed that these incentives are being implemented alongside robust reforms that prioritise sustainable extraction, domestic processing, and enhanced infrastructure connectivity.

According to him, “These reforms are already delivering results. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Nigeria generated N6.96 billion in mining license fees, formalised over 1,200 artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, and registered 118 private mineral buying centres. Our Mining Cadastral Office processed nearly 1,000 title applications, with hundreds of licenses approved to accelerate responsible development.”

He also highlighted Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy transition, noting the continent’s growing share in the global supply of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum. He called for a paradigm shift from Africa being mere exporters of raw materials to becoming leaders in value-added processing and high-value mineral supply chains.

“As chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), I work closely with my counterparts across the continent to advance a shared agenda of value addition, resource mobilisation, and responsible development,” he affirmed. “Our focus is clear—unlocking inclusive growth from Africa’s vast mineral wealth.”

Reiterating the need for cooperation, Alake stressed that building resilient, transparent, and ethical mineral supply chains requires multi-stakeholder collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.

“Nigeria is ready to work with global partners to promote responsible sourcing, encourage beneficiation, and deliver long-term economic value,” he concluded.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to spearhead the development of policies aimed at reshaping the national mindset to support nation-building and sustainable development.

He made this call on Wednesday while receiving participants of the NIPSS Senior Executive Course 47 (2025) at his office in Abuja.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake commended NIPSS as Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank, urging it to lead the charge in fostering a cultural and mental transformation that would improve policy implementation and governance.

“We’ve had several development plans over the years, but implementation has often been fragmented,” the minister said. “NIPSS was established as a hub of intellectualism in governance, but there’s a disconnect—either public officials are not fully engaging with its recommendations or the institute’s outputs are not adequately tailored for practical use.”

Addressing the solid minerals sector, Dr. Alake decried the longstanding neglect that had enabled illegal mining to flourish unchecked. However, he noted that under the Tinubu administration, decisive action is being taken to reverse this trend.

He highlighted key achievements including the deployment of mining marshals who, within just one year, have arrested over 300 illegal miners, initiated prosecutions of around 150 suspects—including foreign nationals—and recovered 98 illegal mining sites. He added that nine convictions have already been secured.

Dr. Alake reiterated the federal government’s commitment to transforming the solid minerals sector into a key driver of economic diversification and national development.

Alake further noted that the ministry’s non-coercive policy to combat illegal artisanal mining has led to the formation of over 250 cooperatives. These have helped formalise artisanal miners, enhance government oversight, and increase revenue generation through royalties.

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Emphasising the importance of a national mindset shift, the Minister said:

“Once the mental attitude is wrong, nothing else can be right. What the president is doing now is to stop the bleeding—plugging systemic leakages through critical reforms aimed at long-term national prosperity.”

Responding on behalf of the NIPSS delegation, Mr. David Aloh commended the ministry’s transparency and insight, describing the session as “illuminating and eye-opening.”

He stated that participants were now better informed about the ministry’s activities and those of its key agencies, such as the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), particularly about Nigeria’s green economy aspirations.

“On behalf of the Director-General of the NIPSS, the management and faculty, staff, and members of the senior executive, Course 47 of 2025, we want to express our gratitude. We know that the knowledge we’ve garnered from here today will come in handy as we proceed on this course in fulfilment of Mr. President’s mandate”, Mr. Aloh concluded. 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has pledged unwavering support for the newly established Department of Gemology and Gemstones at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. 

He said the initiative, the first of its kind in Africa, aligns with his strategic vision for enhanced capacity building within Nigeria’s mining sector.

The Minister was quotes to have made the pledge in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori in Abuja on Tuesday when he hosted a delegation from the department led by Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.

Alake described the new department as a vital hub of knowledge for professionals in the gemstone and jewelry-making value chain, emphasizing that the initiative will strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to drive sectoral growth.

Hailing the establishment of Africa’s first formal curriculum in Gemology as a milestone, Alake said, “The university’s initiative is a commendable leap forward. By building a strong talent pool, we are laying the foundation for long-term development and innovation in mining.”

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In his remarks Prof. Adesugba commended the minister’s ongoing reforms, noting that they have significantly repositioned the sector for sustainable growth. 

He appealed for ministerial support in securing formal affiliation between the university and the Gemological Institute of Nigeria, and pledged the department’s commitment to supporting the ministry’s goals, particularly in enhancing mining’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

Assuring the the department, Alake pledged full support for the proposed affiliation and called on other institutions to follow Yakubu Gowon University’s lead in incorporating mining-focused courses.

“If we are to build local capacity, we must invest in training at home. Your department is a crucial step in that direction, especially in gemology and jewelry production. We are also working toward establishing full-fledged universities of mining, and your input will be invaluable,” he added.

Joining Prof. Adesugba on the courtesy visit were Prof. Aminu Dankishiya, Dean of Science, Yakubu Gowon University; Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Registrar, Gemological Institute of Nigeria; and Dr. Aminu Isyaku, Head of Department of Geology and Mining, among others.