The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has cried out over alleged death threats from individuals angered by his ministry’s recent clampdown on inactive or defaulting mining companies.
Alake revealed that following the revocation of more than 1,263 mining licences by his ministry, and a total of 3,794 mineral titles since last year by the Tinubu administration, he has received repeated threats to his life from “powerful elements” seeking to reverse government action.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to launch the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week, the minister said he had been forced to increase his personal security. “I have tripled my security details after several death threats from individuals and companies whose licences were revoked,” he disclosed.
According to him, many of the affected companies failed to pay annual service fees or commence operations for over a decade, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007. He noted that instead of seeking redress through legitimate means, some have resorted to intimidation and blackmail.
“I am not afraid,” Alake said firmly. “Some have threatened to go to the International Court of Arbitration, but I want to see which court will endorse such illegality. No judge will support that nonsense.”
The minister accused some companies of funding false media publications to discredit his reforms, but vowed not to be deterred. He emphasized that the government would continue enforcing compliance to sanitize the sector and attract credible investors.
Alake announced a “restitution option” for defaulting operators, allowing them to reclaim their licences by clearing all outstanding debts and paying a ₦10 million fine. “It’s part of our bending-over-backward policy to encourage local investment while enforcing accountability,” he explained.
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He further revealed that revenue from the solid minerals sector has risen significantly, reaching about ₦4.6 billion this year. “We are changing the narrative,” he said. “Our goal is to make solid minerals the pillar of Nigeria’s economy, and the process is well underway.”
The minister noted that this year’s Mining Week will feature 100 exhibitors and 3,500 delegates, including investors and policy makers from across the globe.
Meanwhile, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, praised the ministry’s reforms, calling them “transformative and sustainable.” He pledged continued collaboration with the government to promote transparency, growth, and community development in Nigeria’s mining industry.
TheGazelle
