Minister Dr. Dele Alake

18/01/2026

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD)

PRESS RELEASE

AFRICAN MINISTERS OF MINERALS RE-ELECT ALAKE AS AMSG CHAIR*

• _Urges Africa to Unite and Catalyse Economic Growth Through Solid Minerals_

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has been re-elected Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG)—a continental ministerial forum of African Ministers responsible for minerals and mining, committed to coordinated action aimed at maximising value addition and beneficiation from Africa’s vast mineral resources.

Dr. Alake was first unanimously elected as the pioneer Chairman of the AMSG in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF). He was re elected at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the group, held on the sidelines of the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As part of efforts to strengthen its institutional framework, the AMSG approved the creation of additional leadership positions, including Vice-Chairman, Deputy Secretary-General, and Financial Secretary. The forum further resolved that these positions be equitably distributed across Africa’s sub-regions to promote inclusion and regional balance.

While the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elective and reserved for serving ministers, other positions are appointed by member states to which they are zoned.

Under the new leadership structure, Nigeria’s Dr. Dele Alake continues as Chairman of the 24-member forum, representing West Africa. The Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba, was elected Vice-Chairman, representing Central Africa. The position of Secretary-General remains with Uganda (East Africa), Mauritania was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (North Africa), while South Africa was zoned the position of Financial Secretary.

The AGM also ratified a two-year tenure for the newly elected executive committee and agreed that zoned positions belong to member countries, such that where a serving minister is replaced, the successor automatically assumes the role.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Alake expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the renewed confidence reposed in him, stressing the urgent need for African nations to work collaboratively to unlock the continent’s economic potentials through solid minerals development. He called on member states to agree on minimum financial contributions and to refine the group’s budgeting framework to strengthen its operational effectiveness.

“Once member states contribute, accountability will naturally follow. This will enhance transparency and strengthen the credibility of the AMSG before the global community,” the Minister stated.

The AGM further resolved to hold quarterly ministerial meetings and ratified the establishment of standing committees, including Legal, Institutional Affairs & Human Resources; Sustainability and Responsible Mining; Finance, Budget & Resource Mobilisation, among others. It was also agreed that steps be taken towards hosting a global minerals conference in Africa, similar to the FMF.

Speaking earlier at a Leadership Roundtable themed “Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Funding for Copper-Belt Production”—held on the sidelines of the FMF and attended by African Ministers of Minerals, development partners and private-sector stakeholders—Dr. Alake emphasized that mineral production alone cannot deliver lasting economic transformation without reliable infrastructure, coordinated policies and deliberate value-addition strategies.

He cited the Lobito Corridor as a model of what is achievable when rail, ports, energy systems and policy alignment work in synergy. He posited that similar opportunities exist across the continent including the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor linking Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; the Walvis Bay Corridor connecting Southern Africa’s mining regions to global markets; the Dar es Salaam and Central Corridors serving East and Central Africa amongst others.

According to the Minister: “The real question is not whether Africa has corridors, but whether these corridors are being financed, governed and structured to support industrial growth, regional integration and long-term stability. What matters is how financing is designed to reduce risk, attract private capital and sustain commercial viability while advancing national and regional development objectives.”

Dr. Alake emphasised that unlocking capital at scale requires addressing issues such as bankable and enforceable offtake arrangements; predictable and harmonised cross-border regulatory frameworks; alignment of rail, port, power and industrial planning; and clear pathways for processing, smelting, logistics services and industrial clusters along these corridors.

He added that the broader vision of the AMSG is to ensure that Africa’s mineral infrastructure is strategically designed, responsibly financed and efficiently managed in a rapidly evolving global environment—not to discourage investment, but to ensure it aligns with long-term stability, transparency and shared economic prosperity.

Segun Tomori, anipr, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media
to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

18th January, 2026

26/10/2025

06/10/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD).

PRESS RELEASE

LET'S MAKE MINERALS THE FULCRUM OF AFRICA'S TRANSFORMATIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION - ALAKE

"Africa’s minerals have powered industrialization elsewhere while our own economies remain under-industrialized. This paradox must end. Our vision must be clear: to move from extractive dependence to transformative industrialization"

With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) Dr Dele Alake made a case for a bold new vision to transform Africa from a raw minerals supplier to a global hub for mineral processing, innovation, and green industrialization.

Delivering the keynote address at the African Mining Week in Cape Town, South Africa themed, "Vision & Strategy - Setting the stage for Minerals Industrialization, Dr. Alake underscored the continent's strategic role in powering the 21st-century economy through its vast mineral wealth.

He noted that Africa is home to some of the richest mineral deposits in the world, stressing that these resources are critical to clean energy, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, and global security.

“Our youth should no longer seek jobs abroad while opportunities lie buried beneath their feet. The time to industrialize is now. Let us set the stage for an Africa that is not just a participant in the global minerals economy, but a driver of its future, the Minister asserted.

Throwing light on ongoing reforms in Nigeria's mining sector, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary, Farouk Yabo stated that the nation is incentivising local beneficiation from gold refining to Lithium processing; Revoking dormant licenses to promote serious investment; Strengthening governance and transparency to attract credible global partners, and building a national critical minerals strategy.

In a related development, the minister addressed the ministerial roundtable of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) on the sidelines of the mining week, highlighting Nigeria's efforts to create a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

His words, " We are investing in digitizing mining processes from data accessibility to mineral traceability. We are also focusing on bequeathing strong institutions and the right policies to drive reforms, hence the ongoing efforts to amend the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act to provide a more robust legislative framework that will propel investments in the mining sector".

He emphasised Nigeria's commitment to ensure traceability from mining to monetization, affirming that the nation's minerals are set to come from two sources: licensed holders or a seller and supplier buying from Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASM) who are registered and formalized.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Alake stressed that African countries must prioritize mapping their mineral resources to better understand the location and scale of deposits.

“After national mapping, it is the duty of countries to ensure only licensed operators are mining. We must also build adequate capacity for effective supervision,” he said.

Nigeria was also ably represented at the country spotlight session where the Permanent Secretary gave a presentation on Investment opportunities in the solid minerals sector, highlighting key reforms, incentives for investments, and a synopsis of the nation's mineral endowments.

The African Mining Week was attended by Mining & Minerals Ministers from DRC, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria, Gambia, and Ghana sent representatives whilst major private sector players on the continent also graced the conference.

Segun Tomori , anipr, FSCA.

Special Assistant on Media
To the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

5th October, 2025.

28/09/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD)

PRESS RELEASE

FG LEADS RESCUE OPERATIONS IN ZAMFARA MINE COLLAPSE

Following reports of mine pit collapse in Kadauri Village, Maru LGA of Zamfara State, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) swiftly deployed Federal Mines officers in the state to lead rescue operations.

The collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by the unlawful activities of illegal miners, trapped at least fifteen (15) itinerant mine workers. Thirteen (13) of them have been recovered, tragically with no survivors. Efforts are on course to recover the remaining two, still trapped in the rubble.

Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake bemoaned the tragedy, describing the loss of lives as both avoidable and unfortunate. He stressed that relevant departments of the ministry have been mobilized to aid rescue operations and unearth the circumstances leading to the incident.

" I received with deep shock the report of the unfortunate incident in Zamfara which has unfortunately resulted in some casualties. Our first responders have been mobilized to the site and are working with officials of the state government on rescue operations, after which the site will be sealed off", the minister stated.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the area is characterized by loose sand and traces of gold, making it suitable for alluvial mining. Once gold traces were discovered, illegal miners mobilized itinerant workers who rushed to the site with rudimentary tools, disregarding the environmental and safety risks inherent to the terrain.

In a bid to tackle illegal mining, it will be recalled that Alake launched the mining marshals over a year ago, and their operations have led to the arrest of over 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the FCT and the sealing of 98 illegal mining sites. Efforts to expand the scope of their operations across the country and bolster their capacity with more boots on the ground and logistics are underway.

However, Zamfara presents a unique challenge due to its history of banditry prior to the current administration.

The Tinubu administration is tackling the issue decisively through military clearance operations coordinated by the National Security Adviser (NSA). In light of improved security in the state, the Minister in December 2024 announced the lifting of the ban on exploration mining activities in Zamfara.

Since then, the Federal Government has intensified security operations in the state and in the North-west region to ensure that full mining operations resume in earnest.

To further strengthen oversight and monitoring of mining sites nationwide, the Ministry has commenced the process of installing satellite surveillance systems. This will enable real-time monitoring and proactive responses to incidents such as the Zamfara collapse, while deterring illegal activities.

Whilst the ministry awaits comprehensive report of on-going investigations into the Maru mine pit collapse, the Minister reaffirms the Federal Government's zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, warning all involved to desist or face the full weight of the law.

" We will not relent until we rid this country of the nefarious activities of illegal miners. Despite our vast land mass, we remain undaunted. With satellite surveillance and other enforcement measures underway, we aim to drastically reduce mine collapses across the country and tighten the noose around sponsors of illegal mining", Alake asserted.

Segun Tomori, anipr, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media
to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

28th September, 2025.

The collapse, triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by the unlawful activities of illegal miners, trapped at least fifteen (15) itinerant mine workers.

25/09/2025

21/09/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD).

PRESS RELEASE

FG REVOKES 1,263 MINERAL LICENSES FOR ANNUAL SERVICE FEES DEFAULT

Not less than 1,263 mineral licenses will be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral system of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, MCO following their revocation by the Federal Government.

These include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.

By opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the revocation is expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.

Approving the revocation following the recommendation of the MCO, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake said applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector would make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.

"The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder while financially capable and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites is over. The annual service fee is the minimum evidence that you are interested in mining. You don't have to wait for us to revoke the license because the law allows you to return the license if you change your mind," the minister said.

He warned that the revocation does not mean the Federal Government has pardoned the annual service debt owed by licensees, adding that the list will be forwarded to the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that debtors pay or face the wrath of the law.

"This is to encourage due diligence and emphasise the consequences of inundating the license application processes with speculative activities."

In the recommendation to the minister, the Director-General of the MCO, Engr Simon Nkom disclosed that there were 1,957 initial defaulters when the MCO published the intention to revoke licences in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025.

He informed the minister that the gazette was distributed to MCO offices nationwide to sensitise licencees and encourage them to comply within 30 days in compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and relevant regulations.

He observed that the delay in the final recommendation was due to complaints of several licensees who claimed to have paid to the Federal Government through Remita and had to be reconciled.

The latest revocation brings the total mineral titles revoked under the current administration to 3, 794 including,619 mineral titles revoked for defaulting in paying annual service fees and 912 for dormancy last year.

This is part of ongoing efforts at sanitizing the sector since the inception of the Tinubu administration and the salutary effects of the reforms are massive and manifest despite the attempts to push back by defaulters and their agents.

Segun Tomori, anipr, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media
to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development.

21st September, 2025.

18/09/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD)

PRESS RELEASE

FG Gives Mining Companies Until December 31 to Conclude Community Development Agreements*

Mining and quarrying companies licensed by the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office since last year are expected to conclude the Community Development Agreements with host communities on or before December 31, this year.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, issued the deadline following the review of the performance of companies on the Community Development Agreement in the first six months of this year based on the report of the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) department of the Ministry.

According to the report, although there were 74 new mineral titles in the first six months of the year, only 24 community development agreements were signed.

In 2023, the MCO issued 960 Small Scale Mineral Licences, 391 Quarry licences, and 37 mining leases, totaling 1,388 titles that should proceed to sign CDAs before starting extraction. Last year, MCO issued 728 Small Scale Mining Licences, 198 Quarry and 28 mining leases, totaling 954 mineral titles whose owners were obliged by law to engage communities and sign CDAs before embarking on mineral operations.

Dr. Alake highlighted the wide gap between the thousands of mineral titles issued and the only 342 CDAs signed so far, underscoring the urgent need for compliance.

His words: “Under our watch, responsible mining, marked by compliance with international Environmental, Social and Governance standards, shall be the rule. We will not allow a situation in which companies rush to mine without first sitting down with the host communities, to agree to execute projects and programmes that will address their needs. We have penalized companies that owed annual service fees by revoking their titles. Refusal to protect the Nigerian people by agreeing with them on what the communities will gain from the mineral exploitation of their land is criminal expropriation, and an unpardonable injustice. This administration is not going to treat any company found guilty after this deadline with kid gloves. Their licences will not only be revoked, they will be asked to pay reparations for the minerals carted away.”

Alake urged communities to set up quality teams comprising retired professionals who can bring their expertise to the table during negotiations and secure legacy projects and programmes to benefit the youth, women, and the community at large.

He advised community leaders and traditional rulers not to undermine the outcome of CDA negotiations by demanding personal gifts from companies when their communities deserve much more, or recommending contractors who do shoddy projects and pocket what the communities should benefit.

The Minister commended the director of the Mines Environmental Compliance department, Dr. Vivian Okono for shutting down three companies- Istanbul, Venus, and Cornerstone- last month for dragging their feet over the conclusion of Community Development Agreement negotiations with their host communities.

“That should be a good signal to others that it is no longer business as usual,” he said.

Segun Tomori , anipr, FSCA

Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on Media.

18th September, 2025.

27/08/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD)

PRESS RELEASE

ALAKE ORDERS MINING MARSHALS TO SEAL ILLEGAL GOLD MINING SITE

Following reports of illegal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has directed the mining marshals to seal off the site to mitigate potential environmental hazards.

This action comes in the wake of an earlier operation by the marshals which led to the successful recovery and sealing of a mining site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada on August 16, 2025. Sixteen (16) arrested suspects will be prosecuted soon.

Preliminary investigations reveal that illegal artisanal miners invaded the area after the accidental discovery of a gold vein during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property. The most recent incident took place on a farmland located behind CKC in Gwagwalada.

Upon receiving intelligence reports of renewed unlawful mining activity, Dr. Alake promptly ordered the deployment of mining marshals to secure the site.

Conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the area on Wednesday, Ministry officials led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate, represented by the Deputy Director, Sunday Okhuoya expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the minister's directive, disclosing that relevant departments of the Ministry have launched a thorough investigation to unravel the root of these incidents whilst recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, confirmed that his team has established 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.

In view of the potential environmental and public health risks associated with the illegal mining operations, the Minister advises residents to steer clear of the affected areas while enforcement and remediation efforts are underway.

The minister reiterates the Federal Government's firm resolve to eradicate illegal mining activities across the country asserting that the Ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations nationwide and significantly strengthen enforcement capacity.

Segun Tomori, , FSCA

Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

27th August, 2025

06/05/2025

MINISTRY OF SOLID MINERALS DEVELOPMENT (MSMD).

PRESS RELEASE

MINING MARSHALS RALLY KADUNA COMMUNITY AGAINST ILLEGAL TIN MINERS

* Deploys Community Engagement, Diplomacy to Dislodge lllegal Operators

In a deft move, the Mining Marshals have successfully shut down an illegal mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, using a blend of community engagement and diplomacy.

The operation focused on a tin-rich site legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, which had been occupied by illegal miners for several months. Community members reported that the activities had caused significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and heightened insecurity in the area.

Departing from the norm of confrontational enforcement, the Marshals prioritized dialogue—consulting with traditional leaders and mobilizing local support. This approach led to the peaceful exit of the illegal miners under official supervision without incident.

“The diplomatic approach is commendable. The activities of the dislodged illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, and investment. This intervention brings long-awaited relief,” a respected community leader stated.

Speaking during commemoration of the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals' recently, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering the squad for greater effectiveness. “The reward for hard work is more work,” he told the operatives, pledging additional resources and operational support.

The peaceful resolution in Damau contrasts with previous clashes at illegal sites in other parts of the country, where enforcement operations have often turned confrontational.

The minister urges communities across the country to support efforts of the federal government to stamp out illegal mining, suing for cooperation with the mining marshals to fish out culprits.

" The Kaduna operation could serve as a model for future interventions if we get the buy-in of locals and community leaders. Illegal mining and insecurity remain major obstacles to the development of the mining sector. However, the outcome in Damau offers a glimpse of how a mix of enforcement and dialogue can turn the tide. I urge communities to cooperate with us to deal with this menace and restore investor confidence in the sector, " Dr. Alake added.

Segun Tomori, FSCA

Special Assistant on Media
To the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development

5th May, 2025