By Stella Odueme
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said that since deploying over 2,000 trained mine Marshals to the sector, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended.
He said this during the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight Visit to his ministry in Abuja.
Alake unveiled a series of transformative strides aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector saying that at the forefront of this transformation is a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing. The Minister 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 noting that targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.
“This policy is also setting a trend across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, which Dr. Alake now leads.
“We’re setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect.
” 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 Committee 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, he said 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 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.
