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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for increasing sector revenue from N6 billion in 2023 to over N38 billion in 2024, marking a six-fold rise attributed to improved policies and oversight.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Tinubu emphasised, “Nigeria has no business being poor” given its vast mineral wealth. He urged the transformation of “minerals into miracles” through decisive action, investment, and inclusive growth.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an economy that empowers industries to process raw materials locally, supports small businesses, and creates dignified jobs, particularly for youth.
He called on state governors, community leaders, investors, and international partners to collaborate in fostering a peaceful and investment-friendly environment, stressing that mining communities will not be sidelined but will be at the forefront of Nigeria’s resource-driven development.
Marking a decade of Nigeria Mining Week, Tinubu concluded with a call for unity and determination in shaping the next decade, aiming to make Nigeria a global model of sustainable mineral resource development.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described solid minerals as Nigeria’s next major job-creating sector. He emphasised that bold leadership — not a lack of planning — has often hindered development.
“What we lack is not policy, but courageous minds like President Tinubu’s to implement them,” he said.
Dr Alake added that the Ministry, under his watch, has recorded phenomenal revenue growth and is regarded as one of the most transparent in the country. “Business is no longer as usual. Our reforms have grown sector revenue by 4.6 per cent, and policy implementation must now be taken seriously if we want real growth,” he asserted.
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He also called for a behavioural shift among Nigerians, urging citizens to protect and value national resources. “Local value chains must be developed, and natural assets treated as national treasures,” he said.
Dr Alake pledged that the Ministry would continue pushing forward until the solid minerals sector becomes the “economic pilot” of the nation.
Also speaking, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, highlighted the steel sector as a key driver of industrial growth. He said its revival is central to achieving the President’s broader vision for economic diversification.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Dele Ayanleke, in his remarks, praised the evolution of Nigeria Mining Week into a platform that has shaped policy, connected stakeholders, and driven responsible development of minerals such as gold, lithium, barite, and bitumen.
“As we look to the future, the challenges we face — from illegal mining to infrastructure gaps — must become stepping stones for progress,” Ayanleke said.
He called on the government to ensure inclusivity in reform, urged investors to seize emerging opportunities, and encouraged stakeholders to uphold transparency, innovation, and sustainability.
“Together, we can transform mining into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s One Trillion Dollar Economy by 2030,” he added.
In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Faruk Yabo, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a transparent, technology-driven, and investor-friendly mining sector aligned with global best practices.
