Gold Mining: Alake reconciles Osun Governor, Segilola Resources Management over entitlements  

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, resolves the gold mining rift between Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the Management of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, at a parley, in Abuja

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, has resolved the gold mining issues between Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the Management of Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) at a parley in his office, in Abuja, FCT.

The Minister stressed that a harmonious relationship between state governments and mining operators is crucial, not only for attracting investment but also for advancing the nation’s mining sector.

Alake, said this while speaking during a mediation parley with Governor Adeleke, and representatives from Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), led by Mr. Segun Lawson, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the the company, in Abuja.

He emphasised that solid minerals play a central role in the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

The Minister also noted that efforts in this regard would be jeopardised in a sector riddled with conflicting policies and strained relations between operators and state governments.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, stated Dr. Alake said: “In a business environment with multiplicity of regulatory authorities, foreign investors are discouraged. “Investors prefer countries where regulations are clear, streamlined and consistent.”

He noted: “It is trite to emphasise that solid minerals belong exclusively in the federal government’s purview but when sub national governments issue conflicting directives, it deters the critical investments needed to grow the mining sector.”

The Minister called for an amicable resolution of the dispute between Osun State and SROL.

Alake emphasised that Osun State stands to benefit from an environment that promotes industrial harmony and eases the business climate.

According to Alake, such conditions would lead to increased revenue and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

It is recalled that in the heat the industrial dispute, which resulted in the closure of SROL’s operations by the Osun State Government, in 2024, Alake established a high-powered committee, led by Engr. Ganiyu Imam, Director of the Ministry’s Mines Inspectorate.

The committee has since submitted its findings. The minister convened this meeting based on the report of the committee to mediate, achieve resolution and put a closure to the imbroglio.

In response, Governor Adeleke welcomed the Minister’s intervention.

Adeleke expressed the state’s commitment to improving the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), while ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.

The governor reiterated the state government’s readiness to reach a compromise with the company to ensure smooth mining operations in Osun, the statement noted.

Speaking at the parley, Prof. Lukman Jimoda, Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, outlined the key issues at the heart of the dispute, including disputed tax claims (particularly Pay As You Earn, PAYE), the state’s shareholding in the company, environmental concerns, and the broader economic interests Osun should gain from Segilola’s operations.

After deliberations and the Minister’s mediation, both parties pledged to continue discussions to resolve any outstanding issues.

Tomori disclosed the resolution has culminated in the presentation of the state’s “Shareholding Certificate” to Governor Adeleke by Segilola Resources Limited.

In attendance at the reconciliation meeting were Governor Adeleke, Prof. Jimoda; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Olawale Rasheed, and other government officials.

Segilola also was represented by Managing Director/CEO Segun Lawson; Country Director, Austin Menegbo; Non-Executive Directors Folorunsho Adeoye and Kayode Aderinokun.

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