Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development to reinforce its partnership with the Ministry to drive impactful transformation in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
During an oversight visit by the committee, led by Chairman Senator Ekong Sampson, to the Ministry’s headquarters on November 4, 2024, Dr. Alake showcased recent achievements and highlighted the Ministry’s vision for solidifying Nigeria’s position in the global minerals industry.
Dr. Alake emphasized the Ministry’s strides in attracting foreign investments and elevating Nigeria’s global presence, particularly after the endorsement of the country’s local value-addition policy at the recent Africa Minerals Strategy Group summit. “Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is now a global player,” he noted, attributing this progress to the Ministry’s active engagement with both local and international stakeholders.
Expressing appreciation to the Senate Committee for its support, Dr. Alake acknowledged the critical role of the Committee’s recommendations in shaping the Ministry’s path forward. “Your feedback has been invaluable,” he stated. “We look forward to closer collaboration with the Senate to ensure our work leaves a lasting legacy.”
Dr. Alake outlined the Ministry’s revenue growth despite budget constraints, urging the Senate to address funding needs for further impact. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming solid minerals into a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, noting that the Ministry’s staff is dedicated to this vision.
In his remarks, Dr. Alake reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable mining environment, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight and operator compliance. This collaborative approach, he explained, will strengthen industry standards and drive sustainable growth.
Dr. Alake also unveiled a two-pronged strategy to support both industry expansion and local operators. The first prong focuses on transparent regulatory frameworks, while the second prioritizes local participation through a redistribution model that benefits Nigerian operators. “This dual approach empowers local stakeholders and firmly anchors the mining economy in Nigeria’s resources and talent,” he said.
In a bold move to combat illegal mining, Dr. Alake announced plans to implement satellite monitoring technology for real-time oversight of mining activities. This initiative will improve resource management, enhance revenue collection, and protect the environment. “Satellite surveillance will not only bolster oversight but also help curb unauthorized practices,” he added.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee, praised the Ministry’s achievements, especially its improved revenue performance. “This sector is crucial to our economy, and we are impressed by the progress,” Senator Sampson remarked, adding that the Committee is committed to maximizing the sector’s potential in partnership with the Ministry.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Committee’s support for the Ministry’s objectives and recognized the solid minerals sector’s central role in Nigeria’s economic development. “Together with the Ministry, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable growth in this essential sector,” he said.
Senator Sampson also called for a robust legal framework to address illegal mining. “Illegal operations undermine revenue and hinder oversight. Stronger legal measures are necessary to create a mining environment free from unauthorized activities,” he stressed.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also shared plans to establish a Nigerian University of Mines to develop professionals skilled in sustainable resource management. “Our vision is to cultivate experts who will drive innovation and best practices in mining to fuel Nigeria’s economic growth,” she said, commending the Senate Committee for its support in advancing the sector.
