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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Renowned Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur, Oluwaseun Yusuf Adebola Olatunji, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulations in the mining sector to curb the exploitative practices of illegal local and foreign operators.
Olatunji, who is the Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Group Holdings (Africa), warned that unregulated mining activities are depriving the country of critical revenue and long-term economic benefits. Speaking in Ibadan during an interactive session with journalists, the Ijebu-Ode-born industrialist emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its mineral resources from being “cunningly milked” by illegal miners.
“The highest achievements of my business came from the mining sector, particularly gold trade, which has seen successful transactions across the Gulf and Asia-Pacific countries,” he said. “If the government regulates the industry and creates an enabling environment, entrepreneurs can help reposition Nigeria’s image globally and drive genuine economic growth.”
Olatunji stressed that the government must provide policies that encourage investors and shield genuine entrepreneurs from exploitative tendencies in the sector. He argued that a regulated and transparent mining industry would not only generate revenue but also help place Nigeria among the top investment destinations in Africa.
With 100 percent ownership of his conglomerate, Brookfield Group Holdings, Olatunji’s investments cut across mining, real estate, civil construction, oil and gas, aviation, hospitality, and agriculture. He is also exploring opportunities in mortgage banking and insurance services.
According to business estimates, Brookfield Group’s value ranges between $110 million and $450 million as of early 2025, with nearly 75 percent of its global operations rooted in the Middle East.
Olatunji, who obtained a diploma in Computer Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, before moving to the United Kingdom in his early twenties, has expanded his business footprint across the UK, Canada, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. He returned to Nigeria to establish Soltun Development Ltd in 2006, marking his formal entry into the real estate sector—a foundation that evolved into Brookfield Group Holdings (Africa).
Beyond Nigeria, Olatunji has shown interest in Ghana and other African markets, particularly in mining and real estate. His long-term vision, he said, is not only to build a successful enterprise but also to position Africa as “a compelling destination for global capital and infrastructure development.”
“I am not a miner in the traditional sense, but I have skillfully leveraged connections to drive mineral trade. Business has always been my calling, and I recognized the immense potential in real estate and mining long before they became popular,” he added.
