The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on Tuesday, called for a partnership with the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development to propel Nigeria’s solid minerals sector toward sustained economic impact.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming solid minerals into a top contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, emphasizing that every Ministry staff member is dedicated to achieving this shared vision.
The minister disclosed this during an oversight visit by the team led by its Chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson, to the Ministry’s headquarters, the Minister highlighted the Ministry’s recent achievements and ambitious vision for solidifying Nigeria’s role in the global minerals landscape.
While expressing its gratitude to the Senate Committee for their insightful recommendations and ongoing support.
He said, “Your critical feedback has been vital to our progress. We look forward to an even closer collaboration with the Senate to ensure our work leaves a lasting legacy.”
Alake commended the Ministry’s progress in attracting foreign investment and expanding Nigeria’s presence on the international stage, particularly after Nigeria’s local value-addition policy was endorsed at the recent Africa Minerals Strategy Group summit.
He noted that there are plans to acquire satellite technology that will enable real-time monitoring of mining operations, adding that, “This innovative approach will allow the Ministry to observe production levels and resource extraction in real-time, ensuring adherence to approved limits and reducing unauthorized practices.”
Alake attributed these strides to the Ministry’s active engagement with local and international stakeholders.
He also outlined the Ministry’s significant revenue growth achieved despite budget constraints, urging the Senate to address the Ministry’s funding needs to expand impact further.
In his response, the Chairman of the Senate Committee Senator Ekong, commended the Ministry’s achievements, particularly in improving revenue performance.
“This sector is crucial to our economy, and we are impressed by the improved revenue profile,” he said.
“Together with the Ministry and through active collaboration, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable development in this essential sector.”
He assured Alake of the Committee’s continued support for the Ministry’s objectives, recognizing the solid minerals sector’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic advancement.
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He also highlighted the need for a robust legal framework to curb illegal mining.
“Illegal operators not only undermine revenue but also disrupt oversight functions. By enacting stronger legal measures, we can create a mining environment free from unauthorized activities,” he said.
On the sideline of the Senate visit, the Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, noted that the agency has generated N26 billion over the past five years.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance transparency, reduce processing times, and ensure equitable mining rights distribution, outlining how these efforts have contributed to the agency’s record earnings.
Nkom said: “Revenue generated by the Office from inception to date is N36,048,229,019.00. Please note that 100% of revenue generated is remitted to the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA).
“Revenue generated from 2019 – October, 2024, N26,230,733, 463.00 representing 75% of revenue generated. Revenue generated from 2023 to October, 2024 is N13,194,261,761.00.
“This represents an increase of 63% over
N8,094,875,765.00 generated in the corresponding period from, 2021 – September, 2022.”
Nkom attributed the increased revenue to enhanced transparency, enforcement measures, and digitalization that streamlined the licensing and revenue collection processes.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, shared plans to establish a Nigerian University of Mines to develop skilled professionals with the technical expertise required for sustainable resource management.
“Our vision is to equip experts who will drive innovation and best practices in mining to fuel Nigeria’s economic growth.”
She applauded the Senate Committee for their support and partnership in advancing the sector.
