Nigerian Government set to review mining licences, issues illegal miners 30-day ultimatum

*Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development hints at the establishment of Nigerian Solid Minerals Cooperation, joint ventures with mining multinationals, setting up of mine Police/task force, generation of data for solid minerals to improve the economy and create employment opportunities for Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of requisite reforms in the sector, the Federal Government has said it will review mining licences.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, who stated this at a press conference held Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Abuja, FCT, said that all efforts at formalising unliscensed miners into cooperatives had proved abortive.

Alake, however, disclosed the Federal Government had issued a 30-day ultimatum to illegal miners to desist from such prohibited activities in the West African country.

Mr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development

He also said that the Ministry of Solid Minerals would review all mining licences as part of its transformation agenda in the Nigerian economy.

In regard to the other transformation agenda of his Ministry, Alake hinted at the formation of Nigerian Solid Minerals Cooperation, joint ventures with mining multinationals, setting up of mine Police/task force, generation of data for solid minerals in Nigeria.

It is recalled the Minister for Solid Minerals recently assured Nigerians the government would sanitise the sector by adopting more stringent regulations to create stability.

Alake, while receiving Ms. Lean Johnston, Australian High Commission to Nigeria, in his office in Abuja, had lamented the impact of illegal mining on the economy but pledged to address the situation.

The Minister also assured that the government would give priority to investors in the sector in order to improve the economy and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Johnston also said Australia would be committed to providing support for the optimisation of solid minerals in the country.

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