As Nigeria gears up for the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed he is facing threats following the revocation of 1,263 mineral licences due to non-payment of statutory annual service fees.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, ahead of the annual industry event, Alake said some of the affected operators have threatened international arbitration and are allegedly sponsoring media attacks to discredit the ongoing mining sector reforms.
“Some people have held licenses since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo without using them productively,” the minister stated.
Despite the backlash, Alake affirmed his commitment to sanitising the solid minerals sector, stressing that reforms are crucial to ensuring Nigeria earns fair revenue from its natural resources.
Solid Minerals Sector Now Contributing Over 4% to Nigeria’s GDP
Dr. Alake noted a steady growth in the sector’s contribution to the national economy, stating that:
“From less than 0.5% a decade ago, the solid minerals sector now contributes approximately 4.65% to Nigeria’s GDP — a trajectory we expect to continue climbing.”
This growth, he said, reflects increasing mining activity, rising investments, and greater community-level impact across mining host areas.
Nigeria Mining Week 2025: Showcasing Innovation and Investment
Themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance”, this year’s Nigeria Mining Week will run from October 13 to 15 in Abuja. The event will feature:
- 100+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge mining technologies
- 3,500+ delegates and participants, including international mining delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
The event is jointly organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and VUKA Group.
Alake described the event as a milestone in Nigeria’s transition from an informal, underdeveloped mining industry to a structured, innovation-driven, and investment-ready sector.
“Together through collaboration, innovation, and steadfast commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major force in the global mining landscape,” he said.
Reforms Under the Renewed Hope Agenda
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the ministry has implemented reforms to Improve transparency, De-risk mining operations and Unlock value across the mineral value chain
Nigeria is leveraging its vast mineral endowments, an improving regulatory environment, and its commitment to sustainability to attract global investment and achieve global mining relevance.
MAN President: 10 Years of Progress and Impact
Also speaking at the briefing, Mr. Dele Ayankale, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the event, saying:
“This 10th edition marks a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”
e pointed to progress in exploration activities, formalising artisanal mining, foreign investment inflows and sustainable mining technologies
Minerals such as gold, lithium, barite, limestone, and bitumen have gained renewed attention, contributing to job creation, economic diversification, and community development, Ayankale added
