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.
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.
“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.
(The Nation)
