“I’m receiving threats over mining licence revocations” – Minister

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed he is facing threats following the recent cancellation of over 1,200 mineral licences for non-compliance with regulatory payments.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed “ _Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,”_ the minister disclosed that some aggrieved operators are threatening international legal action and orchestrating negative media campaigns in response to the government’s reform efforts.

> “Some people have had licenses since the Obasanjo administration but have not used them,” Alake stated.

“Now that we are revoking them, they’re threatening arbitration and sponsoring media attacks — but we will not back down.”

Alake said the revocation of 1,263 mineral licences was part of a broader strategy to clean up the sector, ensure compliance, and generate fair revenue for national development.

> “Sanitising the sector will naturally meet resistance. But it is necessary if we want Nigeria to benefit meaningfully from its vast mineral wealth,” he added.

According to the minister, reforms under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda are already producing results. The solid minerals sector, which contributed less than 0.5% to Nigeria’s GDP a decade ago, now accounts for about 4.65% — with expectations of further growth.

> “This growth means more operational mines, increased investments, and more communities feeling the impact of mining,” he said.

“The ideas of strong data, more investment, and beneficiation are no longer wishful thinking — they are becoming reality.”

Dr. Alake stressed that the country is being strategically positioned as a globally competitive mining destination, citing improvements in regulation, transparency, and investor confidence.

He also confirmed that this year’s Nigeria Mining Week — which runs from October 13 to 15 — will feature over 100 exhibitors and draw more than 3,500 delegates from around the world, including mining delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

> “Together, through innovation and commitment, we will reposition Nigeria as a major player in the global mining space,” Alake said.

President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Dele Ayankale, described the 10th edition of the Mining Week as a milestone in the industry’s evolution.

> “It marks a decade of impact, reform, and collaboration. We’ve seen significant progress in exploration, formalising artisanal mining, and attracting investment,” Ayankale said.

“Minerals like gold, barite, lithium, and bitumen are gaining new attention — and that’s translating into jobs, community growth, and economic diversification.”

Nigeria Mining Week is organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria in partnership with PwC and the VUKA Group.