Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has confirmed that the Federal Government is determined to prevent potential investors from obtaining mining licenses unless they have plans in place to add value locally.
Alake also mentioned that the government now prohibits the export of mineral resources such as lithium, gold, and similar products.
Instead, these minerals must be processed in Nigeria, creating more value and benefit for the communities where they are found.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the minister made this commitment during an oversight visit by members of the House Committee on Solid Minerals to the ministry in Abuja.
He added that the government has finalized plans to establish a new security outfit within the existing structure of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps to protect the nation's natural resources through the use of technology and specialized training.
Alake stated, “We will no longer allow any company to enter the mineral sector without proposing a plan for local value addition like processing and refining, which has a positive impact on the economy. This will create jobs and prevent a few individuals from taking away lithium, gold, and similar resources to sell in other countries. These minerals must now undergo processing in Nigeria, generating more value and benefit for local communities where they are sourced.”
He commended the lawmakers for their support in reshaping the mining sector, emphasizing that changing Nigeria's economic fortunes requires cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
“The importance of this committee cannot be overstated because, whether we like it or not, we are at a crucial point in history, and it is up to both the executive and the legislature to diversify Nigeria's economy away from its heavy reliance on oil. Once again, this underscores the significance of this committee due to the ministry's importance in that regard. That is why I value your visit today as an essential part of your oversight functions, and I appreciate it with a sense of responsibility and ownership,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to assure the legislators of the substantial contribution of state-level authorities to mining development, highlighting that state governments nominate the chairmen and five members of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee.
Alake emphasized that his 7-point plan has brought the mining sector to the global forefront since he took office, reflecting the renewed interest of the international community in Nigeria's mineral resources.
Alake explained that with the support of the Permanent Secretary, management, and the House committee, they have been able to promote the sector globally. This led to his election as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group based on their 7-point agenda, which received positive feedback.
Regarding security, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government has finalized a new security outfit to protect the nation's natural resources. This will involve integrating the existing structure of the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps with technology and specialized training.
The Minister stated that they have developed a plan to address insecurity around natural resources such as solid minerals, forests, and the marine economy. They chose to utilize the existing structure of the NSCDC due to the complex process of establishing a new security architecture. The new NSCDC corps will serve as a deterrent for insecurity.
According to the minister, there will be a command in every state of the country, incorporating a significant amount of technology. He noted that modern security architecture relies heavily on technology rather than solely on manpower.
The new security outfit will be predominantly driven by technology and will be under the overall command of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. They will be responsible for securing mine sites and preventing theft, illegal mining, and smuggling of solid minerals. The structure of the new outfit will be established in the coming days, the Minister confirmed.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi, mentioned that the House Committee on Solid Minerals visited the ministry to ensure that the executive is fulfilling its duty to maximize the benefits from the mining sector.
He thanked the Minister for working with the legislature in its oversight role, and emphasized that the committee will support necessary reforms with legislation to empower the executive to enhance the sector and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, affirmed the government's commitment to prevent prospective investors from obtaining mining licenses without plans for local value addition. Alake also stated that the government now prohibits the exportation of mineral resources such as lithium, gold, and similar commodities.
