Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has admitted that the current economic hardship facing many Nigerians is difficult, but said the tough reforms being implemented by the Federal Government are necessary to build a stronger and more sustainable economy.
Alake made this statement in Abuja during the first edition of the Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA). According to him, Nigeria is currently passing through a major economic transformation that is designed to create long-term prosperity, industrial development, and economic stability.
The minister explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on carrying out reforms that previous governments avoided because of political pressure and fear of public backlash. He said the reforms are aimed at addressing corruption, weak institutions, economic instability, and Nigeria’s heavy dependence on oil revenue.
Speaking at the event, Alake said strong leadership requires courage, vision, and knowledge, especially when making difficult decisions that may not be immediately popular with the public.
According to him, true national development can only happen when leaders focus on policies that benefit the country in the long run instead of seeking short-term political gains.
The minister compared the current reforms to the transformation previously witnessed in Lagos State, where some policies initially faced criticism and resistance but later resulted in better revenue generation, stronger institutions, and economic growth.
Alake also revealed that the mining sector has become one of the key focus areas of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope agenda. He explained that the government sees solid minerals as an important tool for diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on crude oil exports.
He noted that the ministry has introduced several reforms to tackle long-standing problems in the sector, including illegal mining, insecurity, weak regulations, inactive licences, and lack of transparency.
According to the minister, the digitisation of mining operations and licence processing has helped improve transparency and made it easier for investors to access licences and do business in the sector.
He further disclosed that the government has strengthened security and monitoring at mining sites through the Mining Marshals initiative. Over 2,000 personnel have reportedly been deployed across the country to combat illegal mining activities.
Alake said the initiative has already led to arrests, prosecutions, and improved compliance among operators in the mining industry.
The minister also stressed the importance of local mineral processing and value addition within Nigeria instead of exporting raw minerals. He said this approach would help create jobs, encourage industrialisation, promote technology transfer, and increase national revenue.
Earlier at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Yusuf Yabo, described the awards ceremony as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria’s mining industry globally competitive.
The President of SOMEA, Oladunmi Owo, said the platform was created to recognise individuals and organisations contributing to reforms and sustainable development in the mining sector.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of D-Gold, Omar Sahinolu, highlighted the need for responsible mining practices, transparent governance, and the use of technology to improve operations in the industry.
