Alake: I’ve been receiving threats for revoking 1,263 mining licences

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says he has received threats over the recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees.

Alake made this known at a press conference ahead of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week in Abuja on Friday, October 10, 2025.

The minister said some operators whose licences were revoked had been threatening international arbitration against him over the action and sponsoring media attacks against reforms in the sector.

He stated that he was not deterred as sanitising the sector was necessary and would naturally attract resistance from some quarters.

Alake said the step was taken to ensure Nigeria obtained commensurate revenue from the sector for national development.

“Some people have had licenses since former President  Olusegun Obasanjo regime but have not used it,” he said.

Alake disclosed that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has increased its contribution to the nation’s GDP from less than 0.5 per cent 10 years ago to about 4.65 per cent, with higher growth projected in the coming years.

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He said the progress reflected a growing mining sector and rising investment in national development.

Alake further stated that the theme of the mining week aligned with Nigeria’s goal to boost revenue by adding value to minerals and tapping opportunities in the energy transition.

He said several international mining delegations from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East will participate in the event, reflecting growing global interest in Nigeria’s mineral potential.

Also speaking, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayankale, said the 10th edition of the mining week marks a decade of impact, innovation, and collaboration in the solid minerals sector.

Ayankale, said the platform remains a catalyst for dialogue, reform, and innovation, bridging the gap between policy and practice, operators and investors, and ideas and implementation.

The Star