Dele Alake

I was decorated as a Tourism Ambassador by the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Mr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to my office in Abuja. We discussed how we can strengthen collaboration between the solid minerals and tourism sectors, particularly through the development of a Geo-tourism Plan that showcases Nigeria’s rich mineral assets while creating new opportunities for investment, tourism and sustainable economic growth. There is enormous potential at the intersection of mining and tourism, and we are committed to unlocking it for the benefit of our country.

Our joint task force, working with security agencies, shut down an illegal gold-mining operation at Ileki-Ijesa in Osun State. We arrested two suspects on-site, seized their equipment and sealed the area. The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to help us track down the financiers backing these operations. I want to be clear that our focus isn't just on the casual workers on the ground. We are actively going after the sponsors and quiet backers of these illicit activities. Through the work of our Mining Marshals, we have already arrested over 300 illegal miners and prosecuted more than 150 of them, including foreign nationals. Illegal mining destroys local farmland, pollutes our waters and invites insecurity into peaceful communities. The government cannot police every stretch of land alone. If you live in these areas, I urge you to work with us. Do not shield these operators. We are committed to making sure Nigeria's mineral wealth actually benefits Nigerians and we will keep putting the pressure on until the sector is completely orderly and sanitised.

At our 2026 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja, I told stakeholders that while we have made real progress in repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, we cannot afford to slow down. Our reforms have restored confidence, attracted serious investors and made the sector a key part of Nigeria’s economic diversification. Now, our focus is on accountability. Mining companies that fail to honour their Community Development Agreements will face sanctions, including the revocation of their licences. Host communities deserve to benefit from the resources in their land, and there will be consequences for those who ignore that responsibility. I also reaffirmed our commitment to ending illegal mining by strengthening the Mining Marshals and embracing practical, innovative ideas that will make the sector more secure and more beneficial to all Nigerians.

I joined His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the commissioning of the largest lithium processing plant in West Africa in Endo, Nasarawa State. This milestone aligns directly with our goal at the Ministry to ensure that Nigeria processes its solid minerals locally rather than exporting raw materials. It also demonstrates that our reforms are making Nigeria an attractive destination for serious mining investment. We are proud to support projects that create jobs and add value here at home.

As the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026) came to a close in Abuja, I commended stakeholders from across Africa for their commitment to turning our vast natural resources into drivers of economic growth and industrial development. I was very encouraged seeing partnerships and agreements take shape at the summit. They are proof that AFNIS is delivering real outcomes. Our task now is to ensure that the ideas, commitments and MoUs signed at the summit translate into measurable projects that create value for our people. The true test of our success will be the tangible results we achieve in the months and years ahead.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as a destination for mining and energy investment, informed conversations are more important than ever. I encourage everyone to tune in to NTA’s Good Morning Nigeria Show tomorrow and follow the discussion around the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit 2026.

I invite you to join us at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), taking place from 23rd to 25th June at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year's theme, "One Africa, One Resource Vision," reflects our shared commitment to unlocking Africa's vast natural resource and energy potential through collaboration, investment, and responsible development. I look forward to welcoming policymakers, investors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent as we shape the future of Africa's resource sector together.

As we mark Democracy Day, I join millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the profound courage and resilience that shape our democratic journey. Our freedom was bought with genuine sacrifice, not mere words. June 12 serves as a constant reminder that our democracy is an active process, demanding our collective dedication every single day. Let us use this milestone to recommit ourselves to building a stable, prosperous Nigeria that truly works for everyone. Happy Democracy Day.

Today, I received the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja. We discussed how our ministries can work together to drive value addition, support industrial growth and create more jobs through Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. I remain committed to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources through the right partnerships.

I invite you to join us at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), taking place from 23rd to 25th June at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja. This year's theme, "One Africa, One Resource Vision," reflects our shared commitment to unlocking Africa's vast natural resource and energy potential through collaboration, investment, and responsible development. I look forward to welcoming policymakers, investors, industry leaders and stakeholders from across the continent as we shape the future of Africa's resource sector together.

Today, as we celebrate Eid-El-Kabir, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest regards to you and your loved ones. This season is always about selflessness and the power of shared sacrifice. May every sacrifice made during this special time be accepted and richly rewarded. Eid Mubarak.

Nigeria has signed an MoU with the Republic of Türkiye to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the solid minerals sector, marking another important step in deepening economic collaboration between our two countries. This partnership opens the door to greater collaboration in mining technology, exploration, digitisation, and capacity building. We remain committed to building a mining sector that is transparent, secure, and attractive to serious investors. Over the past three years, we have introduced major reforms, improved the ease of doing business, and intensified the fight against illegal mining. These efforts are already restoring investor confidence and driving greater interest in our mining sector. I appreciate the strong interest shown by Turkish investors and government officials in expanding cooperation with Nigeria across mining, energy, and hydrocarbons. Partnerships like this will play an important role in unlocking the full value of our natural resources for economic growth and job creation.

Today in Abuja, I spoke at the joint stakeholders’ sensitization meeting organised by the Nigeria Revenue Service and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. I spoke about how the tough but necessary reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are beginning to reposition our economy for growth. For too long, we depended heavily on oil and imports while sectors like mining were neglected. Today, we are seeing real progress. New investments in lithium processing, gold refining, and local value addition are creating jobs, boosting investor confidence, and strengthening our economy. We are also taking firm action against illegal mining while building a more transparent and responsible mining sector that works for Nigerians.

I look forward to joining stakeholders, operators and regulators in Abuja on Wednesday May 20, 2026 for the Nigeria Revenue Service and Ministry of Solid Minerals Development sensitization session on the 2025 Tax Reform Act. This conversation is important for the future of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. We must continue to improve compliance, strengthen transparency and ensure our mineral resources translate into real value for the country and its people. I encourage all stakeholders to be part of the engagement as we work together to build a stronger and more responsible mining sector.

Happy Workers’ Day to the men and women who are the pillars of our sector. The progress we are seeing in solid minerals is the direct result of your grit and the long hours you put in at sites across the country. My focus remains on ensuring that your hard work translates into a sector that is safer, more rewarding, and respected globally. Thank you for your dedication to building a stronger economy. We still have a lot of work ahead but I am confident we will get it right.

At the Kenya Mining Investment Conference 2026, I spoke about Africa’s mineral resources and how we are still not getting full value from it. For too long, we have exported raw materials and imported finished goods. That approach has held back our growth and limited opportunities for our people. No single country can change this alone. I made the case for stronger regional cooperation. We need to align our policies, build shared infrastructure and deepen trade among ourselves. Through the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which has now grown to 31 countries, we are working to build a common voice and better outcomes for the continent. This goes to creating real jobs, growing our industries and taking more control of our economic future. We have a clear chance to do things differently and it is up to us to take it.

At the Kenyan Mining Investment Conference in Nairobi, I had the opportunity to respond to a light comment that had gone viral earlier, where President Ruto jokingly suggested that Nigerians don’t speak good English. I told him that Nigerians actually speak very good English. My colleague, Kenya’s Minister of Mining, Ali Joho, even backed it up with how persuasive Nigerians can be. President Ruto himself later joined in the banter on stage, and it turned into a relaxed, good-natured exchange. And for the record, Kenya and Nigeria share more than jokes. We share real ties. Even family ties in some cases, as many already know. It was all in good spirit and friendship and laughter were the real winners in Nairobi.

I met with the team from the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) to deepen our collaboration and unlock the mining potential of the North Central region. We have made steady progress with over 300 artisanal miners now organised into cooperatives and brought into the formal system, while enforcement efforts have led to more than 300 arrests, with several cases already in court. I also shared that our value addition policy is beginning to deliver real results with new processing projects in the region and over $2 billion in economic contribution so far under the administration of HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I encouraged the Commission to stay focused on collaboration, transparency, and execution, and assured them of our full support.

As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, I extend warm greetings to all Nigerians, particularly our Christian faithful, on this season of hope, renewal, and sacrifice. Easter reminds us of the enduring values of faith, love, and redemption. It is a solemn reflection of the triumph of light over darkness and the immense possibilities it portends in our lives. May the blessings of Easter fill our hearts with joy, strengthen our resolve to triumph over challenges and guide our nation toward sustainable progress.

I wish all Muslim faithful a joyous and peaceful Eid celebration. May this season bring renewed hope, blessings, and continued unity to our dear country.