Abuja: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, says he has received threats over the recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees. Alake stated this at a news conference ahead of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, themed ‘Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister mentioned that some operators, whose licences were revoked, had been threatening international arbitration against him over the action and sponsoring media attacks against reforms in the sector. The minister emphasized that he was not deterred by these threats, as sanitising the sector was necessary and would naturally attract resistance from some quarters. The step was taken to ensure Nigeria obtained commensurate revenue from the sector for national development.
Alake noted that some individuals have held licenses since the era of former President Olusegun Obasanjo but have not utilized them. He highlighted that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has increased its contribution to the nation’s GDP from less than 0.5 per cent 10 years ago to about 4.65 per cent, with higher growth projected in the coming years. This progress reflected a growing mining sector and rising investment in national development, leading to more mines in operation, increased investments, and communities being impacted by mining activity.
The theme of the mining week aligns with Nigeria’s goal to boost revenue by adding value to minerals and tapping opportunities in the energy transition. Alake stated that the mining week had chronicled the sector’s transformation from a largely informal industry into one increasingly driven by structure, innovation, and private investment. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the ministry has pursued reforms to improve transparency, de-risk the sector, and unlock value across the mineral value chain. Nigeria is being positioned to compete globally and be recognized as a choice mining investment destination, leveraging its vast mineral endowment, improving regulatory environment, and commitment to sustainable development.
Alake mentioned that about 100 exhibitors will showcase cutting-edge mining technologies at the Mining Week, with more than 3,500 delegates and participants from within and outside Nigeria attending. Several international mining delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are participating in the event, reflecting growing global interest in Nigeria’s mineral potential. Through collaborative efforts, innovation, and steadfast commitment, Nigeria aims to reposition itself as a major force in the global mining landscape.
Mr. Dele Ayankale, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), remarked that the 10th edition of the Mining Week marks a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration in the solid minerals sector. The platform has remained a catalyst for dialogue, reform, and innovation, bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation. Nigeria has witnessed significant strides in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, investment inflows, and the adoption of modern technologies to drive sustainability. Minerals such as gold, limestone, barite, lithium, and bitumen have gained renewed attention, and through enhanced collaboration, tangible contributions to job creation, community development, and economic diversification are being realized.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15, is organized by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.