Alake revokes 1,263 mining licences, vows to resist threats from operators as Nigeria’s solid minerals sector undergoes major reforms

Alake revokes mining licences and vows not to bow to threats as Nigeria intensifies reforms in its solid minerals sector.

Also read: Tinubu congratulates Dele Alake, praises his patriotism

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, revealed that some mining operators whose licences were recently revoked have issued death threats and warnings of international arbitration against him over the ministry’s decisive action.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Alake said 1,263 licences were revoked for non-payment of annual service fees.

He accused some of the affected operators of sponsoring media campaigns to discredit the ongoing reforms in the industry.

“Some people have had licences since former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime but have not used them,” Alake said, stressing that the decision was necessary to sanitise the sector and ensure that Nigeria earns fair revenue from its mineral wealth.

Despite the backlash, the minister maintained that he would not be deterred. “Sanitising the sector is necessary and will naturally attract resistance from some quarters,” he said.

Alake highlighted that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has expanded its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from less than 0.5 per cent a decade ago to about 4.65 per cent, a development he described as evidence of growing productivity and investment.

“In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing and more communities being impacted by mining activity,” he explained.

He added that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry has pursued structural reforms to improve transparency, reduce risk, and unlock value across the mineral value chain.

The minister said the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, would host more than 3,500 participants and about 100 exhibitors showcasing advanced mining technologies.

Delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are also expected, reflecting global confidence in Nigeria’s mineral potential.

“Together through collaborative efforts, innovation and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape,” he said.

In his remarks, Dele Ayankale, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), commended the progress made in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, and technology adoption.

He noted that minerals such as gold, lithium, limestone, barite and bitumen have seen renewed interest, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.