By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector into a major driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic growth through value addition and investor-friendly reforms.
Alake stated this at the commissioning of Diamond New Energy Projects in Nasarawa State at the weekend where he said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was focused on creating an enabling environment for investors to establish mineral processing industries and deepen the country’s minerals value chain.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources can only deliver meaningful economic benefits when they are processed locally rather than exported in their raw form.
“What we are witnessing is not simply another mining investment. It is the establishment of industrial capacity that enables more value to be retained within Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the ministry’s reforms over the past three years have centred on improving investor confidence through enhanced security, transparent regulation and responsible mining practices.
Alake highlighted the deployment of Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, describing the initiative as a major step in protecting legitimate operators and creating a more secure investment climate.
He said the ministry had also expanded geological information, strengthened mineral title administration and promoted investments that extend beyond mineral extraction to processing and manufacturing.
The minister stressed that the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring Nigerian minerals support domestic industries, create skilled employment and improve the livelihoods of host communities.
He added that the country was increasingly attracting quality investments because of the consistency of the Federal Government’s economic reforms and policy direction.
Alake commended the Nasarawa State Government for its collaboration with the ministry, describing Governor Abdullahi Sule as a passionate advocate of the mining sector whose efforts have helped attract major investments to the state.
He also praised Diamond New Energy for its confidence in Nigeria’s economy, saying the project demonstrates growing investor trust in the country’s mining sector.
The minister acknowledged the contribution of Chinese investors to Nigeria’s mining industry and expressed optimism that future investments would promote technology transfer, local content development and the training of Nigerian professionals.
Calling for stronger collaboration among government, investors and host communities, Alake said responsible mining thrives where there is mutual trust and shared commitment to sustainable development.
He added that the commissioning of the Diamond New Energy facilities sends a strong signal to the international investment community that Nigeria is open to responsible investors willing to create value, comply with the law and contribute to national development.
Alake expressed confidence that the new facilities would boost employment, industrial growth and economic development while strengthening Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading destinations for responsible mining investment.
