Speaking during an oversight visit by the House Committee to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Alake emphasized the progress made in securing Nigeria’s mining operations, preventing illegal activities and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth.
Harping on the transformative security framework designed to combat illegal mining that has been a longstanding challenge threatening both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing, the Minister told the lawmakers that the system has deployed over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.
In a statement by Mrs. Chinwe Ekwugha, made available to Spark News, he credited this progress to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled an effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, ensuring swift deployment of resources and personnel to protect mining regions.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact,” Dr. Alake noted, describing the positive shift brought by reduced illegal operations. “Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” he said.
In addition to strengthening security, Dr Alake shared the Ministry’s vision for establishing Nigeria as a global mineral hub. Targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth. The strategic focus on in-country processing and value addition for minerals is helping Nigeria retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports. This policy is also setting a trend across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, which Dr. Alake now leads.
With revenue on the rise and global interest growing, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is gaining recognition as a driver of sustainable development. Dr Alake expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other key partners, emphasizing that these combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector. “We’re setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path for growth, resilience, and international respect,” he stated, adding with a smile, “But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We look forward to even stronger collaboration to achieve greater milestones.”
The Minister expressed optimism that with these reforms setting the stage for substantial economic contributions, Nigeria’s mining sector is on a trajectory to significantly bolster the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Garza Jonathan Gbefwi, said the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development remains dedicated to advancing transparency, growth, and robust support for this sector. Throughout, the Committee has maintained a clear distinction between legislative and executive roles, allowing the Ministry to shape and implement its policies without interference.
He noted that the group has taken a more direct approach this year by engaging closely with each agency under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. These engagements, provide invaluable insights into the achievements and challenges within the sector, particularly from key agencies such as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). The goal is to address any obstacles that could hinder the sector’s development.
The Chairman disclosed that one of the main challenges the NGSA faces is limited financial resources, especially for fulfilling its essential mandate of generating geological data. Mineral exploration is a highly capital-intensive activity, and sufficient funding is critical to producing reliable data that can drive the sector forward. To that end, he advocated for increased funding to facilitate a seamless partnership between NGSA and SMDF, enabling both agencies to contribute effectively to sectoral growth.
Recognizing the solid minerals sector’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, Hon. Gbefwi called on the Federal Government to prioritize funding for its development. He encourage the Ministry to work closely with the President and other key stakeholders to secure resources that will foster the sector’s long-term sustainability and impact.
Addressing Licensing and Consent Challenges the Chairman, among other things, stressed that licensing for exploration and extraction is an area that requires careful handling, especially concerning community consent. Without a well-managed consent process, local tensions can arise once valuable resources are discovered. A transparent and inclusive licensing framework is essential to minimize conflicts, respect community rights, and ensure harmony. The Committee, he said, supports efforts to enhance this process as a means to foster stable, sustainable growth.
Hon. Gbefwi also recognized the Ministry’s progress, particularly in advancing the Seven-Point Agenda, saying that, the Committee stands firmly in support of these efforts, and remains committed to partnering with it to transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
In her contribution, Dr Ogbe the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient environment for the solid minerals sector. She opined that, with the House Committee’s ongoing aid, the Ministry would continue to drive progress, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
Dr. Ogbe appreciated the Committee members for their continuous advocacy for the sector. She acknowledged the Committee’s commitment on policy guidance, funding and legislative backing on empowering the Ministry to fulfill its mandate.
“Together, we can achieve our shared objectives, particularly in increasing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s overall economic sustainability,” she said.
The Chief Accounting Officer noted that the Ministry will continue to count on the Committee’s support in addressing challenges, securing the necessary resources, and enhancing operations across its agencies. She highlighted that the Ministry’s recent advancements, particularly in policy initiatives and community relations, are a result of the productive partnership with the Committee.
