Tag: Alake

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake has predicted that Nigeria’s partnership with South Africa in solid minerals sector will unlock Africa’s mineral wealth. 

He gave the prediction during the Nigeria-South Africa Technical Working Visit on Mining Sector Cooperation held in Abuja.

The engagement had in attendance the South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Hon. Gwede Mantashe, his Nigeria’s counterpart, Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries.

Alake noted that the new phase of bi-lateral strategic partnership is aimed at boosting mineral development, technology transfer, and industrialization across the continent in order to help transform the potentials of the alliance between the countries.

According to him the new effort is also geared towards deepening intra-African collaboration in the mining sector between the two countries. 

According to Alake, “Our partnership in the mining sector holds immense promise to unlock Africa’s mineral wealth, drive industrialization, create jobs, and foster sustainable development.

“This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two nations.”

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, Alake noted the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development. He stressed that collaboration in the mining sector offers vast opportunities for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent.

Alake disclosed that both countries were finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would focus on: “technology and knowledge transfer; cross-border investment promotion; capacity building through joint training and research; regional alignment with the African Mining vision; and value addition in mineral production.”

Highlighting efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ar repositioning the solid minerals sector, Alake said, “Nigeria is undergoing a major transformation in its mining sector. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for responsible mining and attracting investment.”

He emphasized the importance of leveraging South Africa’s globally acclaimed mining expertise to enhance Nigeria’s value chains, especially in lithium, gold, tin, baryte, and rare earth elements.

Read Also: Wife beating an act of cowardice, says Alake of Egbaland

Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, described the meeting as “highly productive,” affirming Nigeria’s readiness to implement the resolutions reached.

“This meeting has reinforced the strong bilateral ties between our nations. We are eager to deepen this partnership through technology transfer, capacity building, and joint ventures that will drive value addition across our mineral value chains,” Prince Audu stated.

In his remarks, Gwede Mantashe affirmed that South Africa—where mining plays a central role in the economy—stands to gain from Nigeria’s revitalized interest in the sector. 

He added that his visit aimed to fine-tune agreements from the Bi-National Commission and to deepen collaboration on mutually beneficial projects with Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The Nigeria-South Africa mining cooperation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen continental trade and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with both countries positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable mineral development.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing more gemstone and jewellery-making centres across the country, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s value addition policy for the Solid Minerals sector.

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that the initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship in the mining industry and enhance local value addition.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake shared the news on Friday during a visit to the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja.

The Minister praised the centre for its leadership in training gemstone and jewellery makers, noting that the quality of the jewellery produced is on par with the best in the international market. 

He expressed satisfaction with the products and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in advancing the country’s mining industry.

According to him, “From our raw materials such as gold, sapphire, gemstones, and the likes, we are now seeing finished products—jewelry—being created at this centre. That is value addition. 

This is a significant contribution to our mining industry, which has the potential to provide employment for our youth, drive industrialization of the sector, and generate more revenue for the country.”

Announcing the establishment of more similar training centers across the country once the 2025 budget implementation begins, the Minister commended and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening production at the centre.

Read Also: Alake seeks harmonious relationship between States, mining operators

This he said would help to increase jewelry production, meet local demand, and for export purposes, noting that the sector has the potential to become a major foreign exchange earner for the country.

The Chief Executive Officer of the School, Tope Adebanjo, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support, stressing that the ongoing Batch 4 Advanced Master Class training would not have been possible without the Ministry’s assistance.

He also outlined plans to further develop entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s gemstones and jewelry industry and requested continued support from Dr. Alake to ensure maximum utilization of the centre’s equipment to foster the growth of mining entrepreneurs who will create wealth and employment opportunities for the nation’s youth.

The Minister welcomed the initiative  and directed Mr. Adebanjo to submit a detailed proposal to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, for further action.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said that the war against illegal mining in the last one year has led to the arrest of 327 offenders and recovery of 98 illegal mining sites.

He attributed this achievement to the patriotic and determined efforts of the Mining Marshals, a special enforcement unit established exactly a year ago.

Alake who spoke at a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the Mining Marshal on Friday in Abuja, said that the special unit has succeeded in restoring access to legally licensed operators to their mining sites.

Commending the Marshal, the Minister noted that the initiative has significantly deterred illegal mining activities, which had previously crippled legitimate businesses and posed security threats.

“The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.

Alake recalled that but for the Mining Marshals’ intervention, several licensed mining companies had lost access to their sites due to encroachment by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these locations for over a decade. 

He cited a landmark operation by the Mining Marshal at North South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were flushed out.

Other sites recovered include: Ganan Mining Limited (Kuje, FCT); Jinloys Nigeria Limited (Abia State); Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited (Kogi State).

To strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and improved intelligence gathering. 

The Minister also said within the period under review, 147 of the illegal mining operators were arraigned before the courts, including the conviction of foreign illegal miners in Kwara State, as a signal of government’s resolve to stall further activities of illegal miners across the country.

Currently operating in 10 States of the country, the Minister said in the new year plans are on by his Ministry to expand the Marshal coverage nationwide, integrate satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance. 

Alake affirmed that “for the first time, we are providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector.”

The Minister also commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for their role in arresting illegal miners, while acknowledging the judiciary’s swift action in prosecuting offender.

Read Also: Alake seeks collaboration to reclaim mining sites in Plateau

For the years ahead, the Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to consolidating gains, flushing out more illegal miners, and boosting Nigeria’s solid minerals contribution to national revenue.

Alake also announced the institution of an annual prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be administered by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). The initiative, he said, aims to encourage responsible and impactful journalism in the sector.

“The Nigerian press has been serious, comprehensive, and patriotic in its coverage of the solid minerals sector. This award will further enhance public awareness,” he stated.

National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commander Mathacho Onoja attributed the successes recorded by the special enforcement unit to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Mining Marshals initiated by the Minister.

“Since our launch, we have responded to numerous petitions from legitimate mineral title holders who have been unable to access their sites due to the activities of illegal miners and, in some cases, bandits,” Onoja said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the operatives, including dangerous terrains and security risks, but emphasized that the team remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s solid minerals sector from illegal exploitation.

“Our driving force is the commitment to safeguarding the sector. The words of encouragement from the Honourable Minister mean more to us than money. They have kept our morale high despite limited logistics,” he added.

Onoja further revealed that the Mining Marshals have expanded their presence nationwide, with multiple batches of trained operatives deployed to strategic mining sites. He commended the collaboration between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, noting that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s economic agenda to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative to oil revenue.

…as FEC approves N2.5bn satellite surveillance to curb illegal mining

…says Nigeria loses trillions to illegal mining

The federal government’s control over gold mining in Nigeria is being constrained by political, social, and cultural sensitivities despite its constitutional authority over the sector, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed.

Meanwhile, government said it has lost trillions of naira to unregulated and illegal mining activities across the country.

To end this haemorrhage, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N2.5 billion for the procurement of an integrated solution framework to combat illegal and unregulated mining activities across the country

Speaking to journalists at the State House on Monday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Alake acknowledged that while mineral resources are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the federal government, states continue to exert influence over mining activities, often leading to conflicts.

“There is a sensitivity given the peculiarity of our environment – political, social, and cultural – which we recognize. I will not be the one to heat up the polity unnecessarily,” Alake said.

He disclosed that his ministry has opted for dialogue and collaboration with state governors rather than confrontation. 

According to him, many governors were initially unaware of the constitutional framework governing mining, but have now been engaged through discussions facilitated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

“I have met the governors. I’ve had a meeting with 32 of them at their secretariat, organized by the chairman of the Governors’ Forum, the Governor of Kwara. Some of them feigned ignorance of this constitutional separation of powers, even though they have attorney generals,” he stated.

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Despite the legal clarity that mineral resources belong to the federal government, Alake explained that states still exercise some level of control due to their ownership of land under the Land Use Act. 

Miners are required to obtain consent from host communities before being granted federal mining licenses.

To ease tensions and encourage state participation, the federal government has offered states an alternative through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – state-owned companies that can apply for mining licenses.

“I announced to the governors that they could form an SPV to apply for a mining license in their own state, and I will approve it. This way, they feel a sense of belonging, and it is a win-win situation for the federal government, the states, and host communities,” Alake said.

He revealed that several states have embraced this approach, and President Bola Tinubu has given him the authority to expedite approvals for state-owned mining operations.

On security concerns, Alake noted that states must collaborate with federal authorities in addressing illegal mining and related criminal activities. 

He disclosed that the federal government has been working closely with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Ministry of Defense to curb illegal mining operations.

“There have been cases of interference by states in mining activities. If there is an infraction in a state, the governor must consult us before taking action. We investigate and either act directly or authorize the state to act under federal cover,” he explained.

The minister also highlighted recent efforts to combat illegal mining, revealing that 320 illegal operators have been apprehended in recent months. 

Out of these, about 150 are currently facing prosecution, while nine have been convicted, adding that four foreign nationals involved in illegal mining have been prosecuted and convicted.

Alake assured that the federal government remains committed to enforcing regulations while fostering cooperation with states to ensure the sustainable and lawful development of the mining sector.

Alake also told journalists that Council has approved N2.5 billion for the procurement of an integrated solution framework to combat illegal and unregulated mining activities across the country.

He said the approval would fund the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities in real-time.

“We are procuring satellite equipment that will be installed in strategic locations nationwide. This will allow us to have a visual, real-time view of mining operations across the country, enabling us to track extraction volumes, monitor truck movements, and assess security situations at mining sites”, he stated. 

According to Alake, the move is part of broader efforts to tackle revenue leakages and curb the illegal extraction and exportation of mineral resources.

The minister explained that the government has been implementing a two-pronged approach—persuasive and coercive—to address illegal mining.

Under the persuasive strategy, informal and artisanal miners have been encouraged to form cooperatives to legalize their operations.

“We have successfully persuaded over 300 illegal mining groups to form cooperative societies. Now, they are fully legalized, structured, and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s revenue” Alake revealed.

By formalizing their activities, he added, these miners can access financial support from banks and avoid clashes with security agencies.

However, for those who refuse to comply, the government has deployed coercive measures, including law enforcement through the Mines Marshals, a special unit created to tackle illegal mining.

“For those who are recalcitrant and refuse to comply, the Mines Marshals have been making arrests, prosecuting offenders, and securing convictions. Several illegal operators, including foreigners, have been apprehended”, he said.

Despite the success of these initiatives, Alake said the government recognized the need to introduce advanced technology to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

“The newly approved satellite surveillance system will provide a centralized operations center, including a monitoring screen in my office. With just a click of a button, we will be able to zoom in on any mining site in the country and observe activities in real time”, he explained. 

The N2.5 billion cost of the project, he noted, had already been reviewed downward to ensure cost efficiency.

Talking to the scale of losses in the sector, Alake also revealed that Nigeria has lost trillions of naira to unregulated and illegal mining activities.

He described the scale of losses as “mind-boggling”, attributing them to underreporting, illegal operations, and the vastness of Nigeria’s territory, which makes monitoring difficult.

“A very elementary, non-scientific estimate we conducted in 2023 immediately after we assumed office revealed trillions of naira lost through unregulated, under-reported, and unlicensed mining activities,” he said.

The minister lamented that gold, one of Nigeria’s most valuable mineral resources, has been particularly affected by illegal mining, with the country losing far more than it has officially gained.

“You should not ask how much the nation has gotten from gold; you should ask how much the nation has lost in gold,” Alake stated. “It is humongous, unheard of.”

To tackle the problem, the federal government is set to deploy satellite surveillance technology within the next month to monitor mining activities across the country. The minister explained that this initiative would help plug revenue leakages and enhance security by tracking operations even in remote locations.

“All we have to do is introduce technological gadgets that can enable us to see what’s going on, even in the most remote parts of the country. Once we identify revenue leakage and plug it, the revenue starts flowing into government”, he explained. 

Alake also announced progress in the establishment of the Nigerian Mining Corporation, a state-backed but privately driven entity aimed at revitalizing the sector. 

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Martin Imanite, a mining finance expert from Australia, as the corporation’s CEO.

“We headhunted him from Western Australia, one of the biggest mining regions in the world. He has experience working with major global players, and he will drive this new initiative,” Alake said.

The corporation’s equity structure will ensure minimal government interference, with 50% controlled by the private sector, 25% by the federal government, and 25% open to Nigerian citizens.

“It is designed so that after us, no government can interfere or inject political manipulation into its operations,” Alake explained.

Addressing speculations about a Solid Minerals Development Bank, Alake clarified that the government has no plans to establish one. 

Instead, he has challenged private sector players to take the lead in setting up a specialized financial institution to support mining operations.

“I never announced that the government will establish a Solid Minerals Development Bank. I threw the challenge to the private sector because once you allow government to set it up, you invite political interference”, he said.

According to him, private sector ownership will ensure efficient management and fair access to funding for miners, free from favoritism or political influence.

A study  facility to develop a roadmap on Nigeria’s critical value chain be funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals was secured by Solid Minerals Development Minister Dr. Dele Alake at the  ongoing annual Mining Indaba holding in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Global Council for Critical Minerals is a specialised organ of the Sustainable Energy for All, a United Nations Agency setup to implement the Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The study, to be carried out by UC Davis and supported by Core International, will examine the country’s critical minerals’ resource and reserve and set international best practices for value development to ensure that it contributes to value addition  to grow the economy.

One of the expected benefits is the development of an industrial sector for the local production of solar power and foreign exchange savings from the reduction of imports of solar power products.

Exchanging views with the Principal Specialist, Renewable Energy, Sustainable energy for All, Mr. Divyam Nagpal, Alake thanked the UN agency for the gesture, saying it would enrich the development of Nigeria’s policy on solar power.

His words: “Since we have the materials for the production of solar power, we should vigorously pursue the policy of stopping the importation of solar power products and localise the production in Nigeria.  We have a large market. Already, a lot of the products in Nigeria service the West African sub-region. So whatever material  we are producing  or manufacturing has a ready West African market.”

Alake reviewed steps taken by the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the mining sector since assumption of office assuring the UN agency that the investment climate is positive and friendly.

Read Also: Nasarawa pivotal to minerals development – Alake

“We are putting in place a new security architecture that will ensure, not just the safety of the investor but also the protection of the mining environment. We also had to re-draw the Community Development Agreement to ensure that the local populace benefit maximally from these developments, so that at the end of the day, it is a win-win for the investor, the populace and the State.” He said.

Alake noted that if investors have unfettered environment to operate, their profit margin will increase, and  they will pay their royalties and discharge their obligations to the government.

Briefing the Minister earlier, Mr. Nagpal said the critical minerals’ roadmap of Nigeria will support the country’s policy formulation process and aid the development of the critical minerals sub-sector. He invited the Minister to this year’s Sustainable Energy for All Programme in Barbados with the theme, Sustainable Energy for Equity, Security and Prosperity.

The event is considered the pivotal gathering for leaders from government, business, finance, and communities to stimulate investment and tackle the inter-connected challenges of energy, climate, and development.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has emphasized the significance of Nasarawa State in advancing the nation’s mining sector.

Speaking while receiving Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru in his office at the weekend, Alake said Nasarawa has been a formidable partner in harnessing the state’s vast minerals potential for national development.

He said: “Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa state. It is like an epicenter of mining in Nigeria, which is why it is important for us to always discuss with the governor and collaborate with him to scale up mining activities in the state. I have received very warm and robust cooperation from him and the minister of defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals in Nigeria.”

Dr. Alake further noted that the reforms and efforts to promote the mining sector over the last 17 months have begun to bear fruit, with global players increasingly expressing interest in Nigeria’s mining industry.

Sule commended Dr. Alake for effectively driving President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on mining development. He acknowledged, however, that challenges such as insecurity persist in some areas, prompting the need for further collaboration with the Minister and the Minister of Defence.

Read Also: Alake: Solid Minerals Corp will transform mining sector

He said: “The purpose of this meeting is to work together and find solutions to security challenges, so that mining operations can go on, unhindered.”

Governor Sule also revealed that lithium factories in the state are operating optimally, with additional factories under construction, highlighting the imperative of ongoing collaboration with the private sector to strengthen the mining value chain in the state.

Badaru reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eradicating banditry and other criminal activities nationwide, stressing that efforts have already led to the resumption of mining exploration activities in Zamfara.

“The bandits are already on the run. The military will not rest until the country is fully secured. The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity in all parts of the country by the end of the year. The National Security Adviser (NSA), the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to actualize that target,” Minister Badaru assured.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has assured Nigerians that the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation will significantly transform the mining sector and lay the foundation for its sustainable development.

He spoke on Monday when he hosted the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, in his office in Abuja.

 A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori quoted Alake to have said that initial set up of the new corporation will be driven by the Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI), with the structure patterned after the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model.

“The Solid Minerals Corporation will be an enduring legacy. No future government will be able to exert any political interference. The President has approved this, and we are looking at a 50 percent equity stake for the private sector, 25 percent for Nigerians, and 25 percent for the Federal Government,” the Minister emphasized.

Looking ahead to 2025, Alake outlined the government’s plans to create a more competitive and globally recognized mining sector. 

According to him, “We are focused on improving access to mining sites through the development of intermodal transport along the mining corridor – including roads, rail, and waterways; strengthening the regulatory framework; remediating abandoned mining pits for productive use; ensuring investor security; and expanding exploration to generate comprehensive geo-data that will attract major players to the sector.”

The Minister also welcomed the support of the UK for capacity building, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer across the mining value chain while urging British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Read Also: Alake rallies North’s elite to support Tinubu’s economic policies

Describing 2025 as a pivotal year for the Tinubu administration, Alake emphasized the ongoing efforts to drive reforms across various sectors, noting that the fruits of these efforts are beginning to manifest. 

“We are encouraged by the support of our international partners for the difficult but necessary reforms undertaken by this administration. We are already seeing positive trends in the economy, and prosperity is within reach,” he added.

In his remarks, Ambassador Baxter commended the Federal Government’s decision to model the new Solid Minerals Corporation after the NLNG, offering the UK’s continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory framework and attracting investment. 

He emphasized that Nigeria’s economic growth is vital for global prosperity and assured the Minister of the UK’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the mining sector.

The British Deputy High Commissioner was accompanied by Tom Burge, Political Counsellor, and Wale Adebajo, Senior Political Adviser.