Dele Alake: We’ll stop export of mineral resources to unlock potential

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, says the federal government is determined to implement its value-addition policy, ensuring mineral resources are not exported from the country.

Alake spoke at a press conference marking the start of the ninth edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, themed ‘From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy,’ on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister said the government aims to position Nigeria as a strong player in the global mineral value chain, driven by the commitment to keep wealth generated from minerals within local communities.

He said Nigeria is endowed with 44 minerals, including critical minerals needed for energy transition, and must focus on more than just extraction to realise their full potential.

“We are focused on establishing systems and structures that allow Nigerians to benefit directly from our resources,” Alake said.

“Through local value addition, processing, and beneficiation, our aim is to transform Nigeria’s wealth into industrial and economic power, generating jobs and supporting local businesses in ways that ripple through our economy.

“Lithium processing plants were inaugurated in Nasarawa State, and plans are underway to unveil more processing plants on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Value addition is gaining traction and momentum because of the determination of the government to reposition the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product.”

He said the administration is prioritising mineral resource security by addressing illegal mining through both persuasive and forceful measures.

Discussing the mining week, the minister described it as a show of collective commitment by stakeholders to enhance the mining industry.

The minister said the vision was an industry that supports national prosperity, promotes sustainable growth, and advances industrialisation.

Also, Dele Ayanleke, president of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), described the mining week as a platform for assessing industry progress, setting future agendas, and showcasing new technologies and methods.

Tope Adebanjo, the association’s financial secretary, who represented Ayanleke, expressed gratitude to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria and Vuka for their partnership and ongoing support in developing the mining sector.

On his part, Habeeb Jaiyeola, partner and forensics leader at PwC, said critical topics would be discussed to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to compete effectively in the global mining sector, especially with the shift towards cleaner energy sources.