Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, revealed that he has significantly increased his personal security measures after receiving numerous threats from individuals and companies whose mining licences were revoked amid the federal government’s intensified efforts to enforce compliance within the mining sector.
The minister shared this information during a press briefing held ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, set to take place in Abuja from October 13 to 15, 2025. The conference, themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance,” aims to unite policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to assess ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
“Due to the volume and severity of threats from those whose licences were cancelled for various violations, I have had to triple my security detail. One individual even sent me a direct threatening message,” Alake stated.
He explained that the escalation in threats compelled him to bolster his armed protection as a safeguard against potential attacks from powerful stakeholders displeased with the ministry’s rigorous enforcement of mining regulations.
Alake highlighted that the clampdown on inactive and non-compliant licence holders has met resistance from influential players who had previously operated with impunity for years before his administration took office.
“They have tried every possible method to pressure us into reversing these decisions. But I told them to review my track record. We didn’t come into this role by chance; we fought hard to get here. We are resilient and will not back down,” he affirmed.
Under Alake’s leadership, a total of 3,794 mining titles have been revoked, including 1,263 licences cancelled in the past two years alone, as part of the government’s commitment to restoring transparency and discipline in the sector.
Notably, the decision to increase his security detail appears to conflict with President Bola Tinubu’s directive limiting ministers and senior officials to a maximum of five security personnel and three vehicles per convoy, a measure aimed at reducing government expenditure.
Alake defended his decision, emphasizing that these reforms are essential to cleanse the mining industry and ensure that only accountable investors operate within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
“We began enforcing existing regulations that had long been neglected. Many licence holders had remained inactive for over ten years without paying their annual fees. Such disregard for the rules cannot continue under our administration,” he explained.
The minister further noted that the ministry has activated the “use it or lose it” clause embedded in all mining licences, drawing a parallel to land ownership laws worldwide.
“Globally, when you receive a certificate of occupancy, you are expected to develop the property within a set timeframe or forfeit it. The mining sector operates under the same principle,” he said.
Alake accused some of the affected companies of resorting to intimidation tactics, orchestrated media campaigns, and threats of international arbitration, despite their failure to adhere to Nigerian laws.
“One company that has neglected to pay service fees for years is now threatening international arbitration. I am eager to see an international tribunal side with a company that blatantly violates our domestic laws,” he remarked.
Describing the backlash as the “cost of reform,” Alake pledged that his ministry would remain steadfast.
“Strengthening these regulations comes with challenges, but this is a fight based on principles, not personalities. We cannot continue with the status quo and expect different outcomes,” he asserted.
Despite his firm approach, the minister reiterated the government’s openness to sincere investors and its commitment to fostering a transparent environment for responsible mining activities.
“We welcome genuine investors. Profitable ventures generate government revenue through royalties, taxes, and fees. However, we will not tolerate repeat offenders who flout the law,” he stressed.
Alake confirmed that the Mining Cadastre Office has been instructed to enforce strict compliance with all statutory requirements moving forward, underscoring the administration’s vision to position Nigeria’s mining sector as globally competitive and sustainable.
