Nigeria's solid minerals sector is undergoing a bold transformation, with the federal government positioning it as a key pillar for economic diversification, job creation, and national prosperity.
Speaking at a high-level ministerial retreat in Abuja themed "Enhancing Performance, Strengthening Accountability, and Fostering Innovation in the Solid Minerals Sector," the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, declared that the era of "business-as-usual" is over.
"Our Ministry is no longer just a service arm; it's a driver of national renewal. We must deliver tangible outcomes for Nigerians," Dr. Alake asserted.
The Minister outlined major milestones under President Tinubu's administration, including:
The development of a new Nigerian Solid Minerals framework
The launch of a ₦1 trillion exploration budget to close the country's mineral data gap
The creation of the Mining Marshals, a 2,350-strong task force tackling illegal mining
Revenue from mining licences rose from ₦6 billion in 2023 to ₦12.58 billion in 2024, while royalties doubled to ₦36.8 billion. Over 300 artisanal cooperatives have also been formalised to encourage legal and productive mining.
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"The global energy transition is reshaping mining value chains. Nigeria must not be left behind. Our charge is clear: we must deliver results for the Renewed Hope Agenda," Alake said.
Legislative backing and investor interest grow
The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, represented by Chairman Senator Ekong Sampson, pledged robust legislative support. "From gold and lithium to coal and bitumen, Nigeria's mineral wealth can unlock a new economic era," he said.
House Committee Chairman Jonathan Gbefwi echoed this optimism, revealing that the sector had grown revenue from $6 billion to $38 billion and attracted over $800 billion in foreign direct investment in under two years. He praised the creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Company, likening its potential to Norway's oil success model.
Stakeholders push for sustained reform
Permanent Secretary Engr. Yabo Yusuf credited teamwork for the Ministry's recent Service Excellence Award and called on officials to maintain the momentum. "Now is the time to convert progress into measurable national impact," he said.
Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, described the retreat as a moment of strategic renewal. "Beyond minerals, our real wealth lies in our capacity to innovate and execute," he stated.
The retreat brought together key sector leaders including Prof. Ige of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency and Mr. Martins Imonitie, CEO of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company.
The gathering underscored a growing consensus: with intentional investment, policy consistency, and public-private collaboration, Nigeria's solid minerals sector could become a cornerstone of inclusive economic growth and resilience.
