Dele Alake: I’ve Been Receiving Threats Over Revocation of Mining Licences
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has disclosed that he has been receiving threats following the Federal Government’s revocation of 1,263 mineral licences belonging to operators who defaulted on the payment of mandatory annual service fees.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday ahead of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” Alake revealed that some affected licence holders had resorted to threats of international arbitration and sponsored media attacks against ongoing reforms in the mining sector.
Despite the intimidation, the minister maintained that he remained undeterred, stressing that sanitising the solid minerals sector was a necessary step towards ensuring accountability and national growth.
“Some people have held licences since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo without utilising them. It’s unacceptable for such valuable national assets to lie dormant while Nigeria loses potential revenue,” he stated.
Dr. Alake explained that the recent revocation exercise was part of broader efforts to boost revenue generation and reposition the solid minerals sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had increased from less than 0.5 per cent a decade ago to about 4.65 per cent, with even higher growth projected in the coming years.
“In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing, and more communities benefiting from mining activity. What once seemed distant — strong data, investment inflows, and beneficiation — is now becoming a reality,” Alake added.
The minister said the forthcoming Mining Week aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to enhance transparency, de-risk the sector, and unlock value across the entire mineral value chain.
He disclosed that about 100 exhibitors will showcase innovative mining technologies during the event, while over 3,500 delegates and participants from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are expected to attend.
“Together, through collaboration, innovation, and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape,” Alake assured.
Also speaking, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Dele Ayankale, said the 10th edition of the Mining Week marks “a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration” in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
He noted that the event had consistently served as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, operators, and investors, fostering growth, transparency, and sustainable practices.
“Nigeria has made significant strides in exploration, artisanal mining formalisation, and investment inflows. Minerals such as gold, limestone, barite, lithium, and bitumen are now attracting renewed global interest,” Ayankale said.
The Nigeria Mining Week, organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the VUKA Group, will hold from October 13 to 15 in Abuja.
