Mining: Alake alleges threats to life over licence revocations, reforms in minerals sector

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, discloses he has received threats over the recent revocation of 1,263 dormant mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees for several years, stating the mining sector has contributed about 4.65 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, with higher growth projected for years ahead

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For efforts at sanitising the minerals sector of the Nigerian economy, Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has alleged threats to personal safety over the recent revocation of 1,263 dormant mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees for several years.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Alake stated this during a press conference ahead of the 10th Edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, with the theme: “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, Friday, October 10, 2025, in Abuja, FCT.

The Nigeria Mining Week, which holds from October 13 to October 15, is being organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group.

The Minister also purported that some mining sector operators whose licences were revoked in the process had been threatening international arbitration against him over the action.

He said some others had resorted to sponsoring media attacks against his person and the government over the ongoing reforms in the industry.

NELFUND reopens students’ loan portal for 2024/2025 academic session

Despite the threats, Alake affirmed that he is discouraged, noting that sanitising the sector is necessary, and would naturally attract resistance from some quarters in Nigeria.

Why government revoked dormant mining licences, by Minister

Restating the rationale for revoking 1,263 dormant mineral licences, Dr. Alake again, explained that the Federal Government took the measure to ensure that the West African country continues to obtain “commensurate revenue” from the sector for national development.

He noted: “Some people have had licences since former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime but have not used them.”

In regard to contribution of the sector to the national economy, he disclosed the Solid Minerals sector has enlarged its contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from less than 0.5 percent 10 years ago to about 4.65 percent, with higher growth projected in the coming years.

READ ALSO Immigration: Nigeria, UK Ink Fresh Agreements On Deportations, Financial Crimes, Others

Digital Economy: NCC, ONSA Dismantling Cartels Stealing And Destroying Telecoms Equipment –Maida

BPP Releases New Guidelines On Procurement Process In Nigerian Universities

The progress so recorded in the industry, he stated, has reflected a growing mining sector and rising investment in national development.

Alake further explained: “In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing and more communities being impacted by mining activity.

“The ideas of strong data, more investment and greater beneficiation that seemed far off are now realities shaping the sector.”

Objectives of Nigeria’s Mining Week

Commenting on the forthcoming 10th Edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, the Minister said the theme of the mining week well aligned with the Federal Government’s goal of boosting revenue through value addition to minerals and tapping opportunities in the energy transition.

According to him, the mining week has chronicled the sector’s transformation from a largely informal industry into one that is increasingly driven by structure, innovation, and private investment.

Alake as well said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the MSMD 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 recognised as a choice mining investment destination, leveraging its vast mineral endowment, improving regulatory environment and commitment to sustainable development, said he.

The Minister further revealed that about 100 exhibitors would showcase cutting-edge mining technologies at the Mining Week, while over 3,500 delegates and participants from within and outside Nigeria would grace the event.

Several international mining delegations are equally expected to come in from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as Alake noted this reflects a growing global interest in the country’s mineral potential.

He averred: “Together through collaborative efforts, innovation and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape.”

In his remarks at the media briefing, Mr. Dele Ayankale, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the 10th Edition of the Mining Week would commemorate a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration in the solid minerals sector in the country.

Ayankale said the industry’s platform had remained a catalyst for dialogue, reform and innovation, bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation.

Aligning with Alake’s submission on how the sector has been transformed in the last few years, Ayankale also affirmed Nigeria has witnessed significant strides in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, investment inflows and the adoption of modern technologies to drive sustainability.

He stated: “Minerals such as gold, limestone, barite, lithium and bitumen have gained renewed attention, and through enhanced collaboration, we are seeing tangible contributions to job creation, community development and economic diversification.”

Kindly Share This Story