Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has stepped forward to address the growing economic hardships facing citizens, describing the current challenges as a painful but necessary phase of a comprehensive national overhaul.
Speaking in Abuja at the first-ever Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA), Alake defended the President Bola Tinubu administration’s aggressive reform agenda. He characterized the government’s approach as a bold move to break away from decades of economic stagnation and secure long-term industrial stability. According to the minister, previous governments routinely ignored deep-seated issues like systemic corruption, institutional weakness, and an over-reliance on oil revenues out of fear of political backlash.
To put the current situation into perspective, Alake drew a parallel to the economic evolution of Lagos State, noting that profound structural changes almost always trigger initial public resistance before ultimately paving the way for robust institutional growth, stronger revenues, and broader economic expansion. He emphasized that building a resilient nation requires prioritizing future stability over immediate political convenience.
A central piece of this economic shift is the revitalized solid minerals sector, which has been positioned as a core pillar of the government’s diversification strategy. Alake outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at sanitizing the industry, including a crack down on illegal mining operations, updating outdated regulatory frameworks, and moving the licensing process to digital platforms to eliminate corruption and enhance transparency.
The battle against illegal extraction has seen significant reinforcement with the expansion of the Mining Marshals initiative. Over 2,000 personnel have been deployed across the country, leading to numerous arrests, prosecutions, and a noticeable increase in regulatory compliance. Alake also reiterated the government’s stance on value addition, insisting that local mineral processing is non-negotiable if Nigeria is to truly industrialize and create jobs for its populace.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders under the theme “Unlocking the Future,” served as a forum to spotlight the industry’s potential. The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, noted that recognizing excellence within the sector underscores the government’s resolve to elevate Nigeria’s mining industry to a globally competitive level.
Further support for these reforms came from industry leaders at the gathering. SOMEA President Oladunmi Owo described the awards as a vital platform for honoring those driving sustainable development, while D-Gold CEO Omar Sahinolu urged operators to embrace responsible mining practices, transparent governance, and technological innovation. The evening concluded with presentation ceremonies honoring outstanding organizations and individuals who have made measurable impacts in safety, sustainability, and sector growth, highlighting a shared vision for a more structured and profitable industry.
