Govt Set to Revamp Mining Sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector into a major revenue generator.

Addressing participants of Course 33 at the National Defence College, Abuja, Alake highlighted several reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration that have drawn global attention to the country’s mining industry.

Alake emphasized that the government is working to establish Nigeria as a premier mining destination in Africa. Key initiatives include the deployment of ‘Mining Marshals’ to tackle illegal mining, the incorporation of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, and the launch of the Electronic Mining Cadastre (EMC+), a digital system designed to simplify licensing processes.

The minister also announced the formalization of over 152 artisanal mining cooperatives, with more expected, and noted ongoing efforts to secure creative funding for exploration projects critical for generating geological data.

He added that the recently introduced Nigeria Minerals Decision Support System (NMDSS), provides investors with essential information to facilitate decision-making.

On engaging host communities, Alake highlighted the revision of Community Development Agreements (CDA), which now require operators to obtain community consent before applying for mining licenses.

“We have strengthened the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), by encouraging states to nominate five of its eight members, including the chair, in conformity with relevant statutes. This partnership is crucial to ensure that sub-nationals and communities monitor compliance with environmental and social standards,” Alake said.

Alake also pointed to international efforts, revealing that Nigeria’s push for local mineral processing led to the formation of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), where he was unanimously elected as its inaugural chairman.

“Most African nations now agree that mineral extraction should include local processing to maximize benefits for citizens,” he noted.

Encouraging participants to foster a national mindset focused on collective progress, Alake said: “Until citizens embrace the right mindset of putting the nation first, above personal or primordial considerations, transforming the country will remain an uphill task.”

In response to questions during a panel session, Alake expressed confidence in the sector’s ability to become a significant contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Transforming the mining sector into a key revenue earner will be a viable legacy,” he concluded.

The event reflects the federal government’s determination to reposition the mining sector as a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth.