The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that the country’s mining sector recorded impressive growth in the first quarter of 2025.
He said the sector generated close to N7 billion from mining licence fees.
Speaking at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris, Alake revealed that the country’s solid minerals sector is rapidly gaining momentum.
He said the sector is positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s mineral-driven transformation.
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In a statement shared on his official X handle, the minister attributed the progress to bold reforms aimed at formalising mining activities and improving regulatory efficiency.
“Nigeria is already showing what’s possible. In Q1 2025, we generated nearly N7 billion in mining license fees, formalised 1,200+ artisanal cooperatives, and approved hundreds of licenses, all while pushing for sustainability, value addition, and investor confidence,” he said.
Alake pointed out that over 1,200 artisanal mining cooperatives were formally recognised during the quarter, in line with the government’s strategy to harness the full potential of small-scale miners while promoting environmental and social standards.
Highlighting the continent’s growing relevance in the energy transition, the minister said Africa must rise to the occasion by asserting control over its vast mineral wealth.
“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, I’m proud to work with leaders across the continent to unlock inclusive, long-term growth from our rich mineral resources. It’s time for Africa to move from exporting raw materials to owning the future of clean energy,” he stated.
He further stressed that the continent holds a strategic advantage, given its increasing contribution to the global supply of essential minerals like lithium, copper, cobalt, and tantalum.
Calling for a major policy shift, Alake urged African nations to abandon the traditional export model and embrace industrialisation through value-added mineral processing.
“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), I work closely with my counterparts across the continent to advance a shared agenda of value addition, resource mobilisation, and responsible development,” he said.
“Our focus is clear—unlocking inclusive growth from Africa’s vast mineral wealth,” he added.
Alake also emphasised the importance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities to build a transparent and ethical mineral value chain.
“Nigeria is ready to work with global partners to promote responsible sourcing, encourage beneficiation, and deliver long-term economic value,” he noted.
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Reflecting on the broader implications of the global transition to clean energy, the minister underscored the urgency of effective leadership at this critical moment in history.
“The future of electricity, transportation, telecommunications, and indeed global prosperity depends on the work we do here. Let us embrace this opportunity, not just to discuss change, but to drive it,” Alake declared.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to forging international partnerships that support the growth of a resilient and sustainable mining industry.
