Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has emphasized the Nigerian government’s strong commitment to revitalizing the mining sector as a vital revenue source. Speaking at the National Defense College, he highlighted how President Tinubu’s reforms have attracted global attention, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s top mining destination
Alake detailed key initiatives to tackle sector challenges, such as creating Mining Marshals to fight illegal mining, establishing the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, and launching the digitised Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+) to simplify licensing. He also noted the formalization of over 152 artisanal miners into cooperatives. To boost funding for exploration and enhance data collection, Alake introduced the Nigeria Minerals Decision Support System (NMDSS), an online platform that provides global investors with crucial information about the mining industry. Addressing community concerns, he mentioned updated Community Development Agreements (CDA) that require operators to obtain consent from host communities before applying for mining licenses.
Additionally, he spoke about strengthening the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to ensure local compliance with environmental and social standards. On the international stage, Alake announced Nigeria’s leadership role in the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), advocating for local mineral processing to maximize benefits for African citizens.
Encouraging the Course 33 participants, Alake called for a shift in mindset to prioritize national interests, stressing that transforming Nigeria requires collective effort. He expressed confidence that a thriving mining sector could significantly boost the nation’s GDP and create a lasting legacy .