Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, says he has been forced to triple his personal security following a series of death threats from individuals and companies whose mining licences were revoked under his ongoing reforms to sanitise Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake revealed this on Friday at a press briefing ahead of the 10th edition of the Nigeria Mining Week, which will hold in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2025. Themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” the conference will gather key industry players and policymakers to evaluate the country’s mining progress.
According to the minister, the threats — some sent directly to his phone — escalated after the ministry cancelled thousands of inactive or non-compliant mining titles as part of a nationwide enforcement drive.
Alake disclosed.
The minister noted that his strict stance on compliance had angered several powerful operators who had benefited from years of lax enforcement. “They’ve tried intimidation, blackmail, and even sponsored media attacks to derail this reform. But we are battle-tested and we will not retreat,” he stated.
Under Alake’s leadership, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has revoked more than 3,700 mining titles, including 1,263 licences withdrawn in the past two years alone.
The move, however, appears to contrast with President Bola Tinubu’s directive limiting ministers to a maximum of five security aides and three official vehicles in a bid to reduce government costs.
Defending his decision, Alake said the increased security was a necessary response to real threats arising from vested interests attempting to resist reform. He added that the crackdown was essential to restore order, transparency, and credibility to the mining industry.
he said.
Alake further revealed that some defaulting companies were now resorting to smear campaigns and even international legal threats.
he remarked.
Describing the backlash as the “price of reform,” the minister vowed to press ahead with his mission to clean up the sector.
he said.
He also reiterated the government’s “use it or lose it” policy, insisting that mining titles, like land ownership, must be actively developed to remain valid.
While reaffirming his commitment to attracting genuine investors, Alake stressed that the ministry would no longer tolerate defaulters.
he concluded.
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