Nigeria’s drive to sanitize its solid minerals sector is proving both commendable and controversial, as recent reforms by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development have triggered intense reactions from stakeholders and industry participants. Dr. Dele Alake, the sitting minister, revealed this week that heightened threats to his personal safety have forced him to substantially enhance his protection arrangements—a dramatic reflection of how deep-seated interests oppose the government’s regulatory crackdowns.
Addressing Compliance and Security Challenges
At a press briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week—slated to run in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2025—Dr. Alake discussed the mounting resistance to the federal government’s policies. The event, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” is expected to gather key policymakers, investors, and stakeholders who are focused on addressing the persistent problems plaguing Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
“I have received numerous threats from those whose licenses were revoked for various infractions,” Alake admitted during the conference, referencing both individuals and consortiums. According to him, “One even sent a text message threatening me directly. This escalation has left me with no choice but to triple my personal security.” These remarks came amid confirmed reports of increased intimidation and alleged blackmail directed towards members of the ministry and its leadership.
The Backstory: Years of Dormant Licenses
The core of this contentious issue lies in the government’s determined efforts to enforce existing regulations on mining licenses. For years, analysts have documented cases where licenses for mining operations were held by individuals or companies who neither commenced mining nor fulfilled legal financial obligations—effectively locking out genuine investors and constraining industry growth. While the federal government’s new crackdown seeks to end this practice, it has been met with significant pushback from entrenched interests, some of whom “enjoyed years of impunity,” according to Alake.
He elaborated further: “We came in and started enforcing the regulations that had always existed but were ignored for years. Many held licenses for over a decade without paying their annual service fees or beginning operations. That kind of impunity cannot continue under our watch.”
Wide-Ranging License Revocations and the ‘Use It or Lose It’ Principle
According to official data shared by the minister, some 3,794 mining titles have been revoked since his appointment, with 1,263 licenses cancelled in just the past two years. These revocations are part of the government’s broader thrust, which it says is aimed at boosting transparency, accountability, and competitiveness within a sector long characterized by lax oversight and opaque processes.
The ministry’s actions draw on the “use it or lose it” policy inherent in all Nigerian mining titles. This is similar to the approach taken with land use certificates in most jurisdictions, where the holder must demonstrate development within a specified time or risk forfeiture. Local legal experts, such as Abuja-based mining lawyer Chinedu Okoro, state that “this principle is common practice globally and is particularly important in Nigeria, where hoarding of mining rights has stifled sectoral growth for almost two decades.”
Resistance from Affected Parties
Predictably, the clampdown has not gone unchallenged. Minister Alake claims some of the parties affected by revoked licenses have resorted to blackmail through the media, direct intimidation, and threats of international arbitration, even though “many have not complied with basic local laws.” A recent example cited by Alake involved a company that, despite years of non-payment of service fees, threatened to haul Nigeria before an international judge. “I want to see the international judge who would rule in favour of a company violating our own laws,” the minister remarked.
The mounting tensions are not only a federal concern. In key mining communities across Plateau, Zamfara, and Osun states, small-scale miners have expressed support for the government’s effort to “clear the rot.” As Jos-based miner Musa Shehu described, “For too long, small miners like us were at a disadvantage because large companies just held onto titles and blocked us from operating. The government’s action means we can finally have a chance.”
Balancing Reform Against Security and Governance Directives
Yet the minister’s move to expand his personal security detail has itself drawn scrutiny, as it reportedly contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s standing directive restricting convoys and security personnel for ministers and high-ranking officials. The policy is part of broader cost-saving reforms intended to demonstrate prudent use of public resources. Alake, however, insists the extraordinary circumstances justify his actions, given the severity and frequency of threats that have emerged as a result of the reforms.
“We didn’t come into office by accident or out of privilege,” he emphasized. “We fought for this position, and we are prepared to face opposition head-on. We will not retreat, no matter the level of threats.”
Sectoral Impact: Opportunities and Unresolved Tensions
For many industry observers, this episode signifies the difficulties inherent in reforming Nigeria’s extractive sectors. Transparency International Nigeria, in its 2023 sectoral report, observed that the country loses billions annually through underutilized and illicitly held mining licenses, with knock-on effects on jobs, environment, and exports. Neighboring Ghana has faced similar challenges, with President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government also revoking mining rights as part of its “Galamsey” crackdown—often provoking social tensions and legal disputes.
Dr. Ngozi Udoma, a mineral economics lecturer at the University of Lagos, argues that, “If Nigeria aspires for global relevance in mining, the industry needs a fair, rules-based approach to licensing and clear penalties for noncompliance—but reforms must also be balanced against respect for due process and physical security for policymakers.”
Despite the pushback, Alake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to welcome responsible, law-abiding investors. He explained that only genuine stakeholders who comply with all statutory requirements should expect to benefit from Nigeria’s minerals wealth, adding: “It is from profitable investments that government generates revenue through royalties, taxes, and service fees. But lawbreakers will not be indulged.” The Mining Cadastre Office, which records and monitors all titles, has also reportedly received new orders to ensure robust enforcement going forward.
Moving Forward: Lessons and Expectations
The unfolding events serve as a cautionary tale for other African countries seeking to overhaul opaque sectors. While stricter enforcement measures tend to draw fierce opposition from those accustomed to lax oversight, failure to act may only prolong underdevelopment and stymie foreign and domestic investment.
Nonetheless, some critics warn that aggressive revocations without adequate dispute resolution processes could discourage legitimate investors wary of unpredictability. Stakeholders have called for transparent appeals mechanisms and assurance of non-retroactive enforcement—measures common in more developed mining jurisdictions across Africa and globally.
In the months leading up to Nigeria Mining Week 2025, industry watchers and affected communities alike will be observing whether the government can sustain its reform momentum while navigating the delicate balance of enforcement, investor confidence, and societal cohesion.
How do you feel about the government’s tough new stance on mining license enforcement in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector? Should the Ministry prioritize stricter reforms or expand investor protections? Share your opinion in the comments and let’s get the conversation going!
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