- Minister Alake urged global partners to support sustainable mining and cited Nigeria’s reforms, incentives, and progress in boosting local processing and responsible extraction.
- He called for Africa to shift from raw mineral exports to value-added processing, emphasising the continent’s key role in the global supply of critical minerals.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has called for stronger international collaboration to advance the global energy transition through sustainable mining practices.
Addressing delegates at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris, the Minister highlighted the need for decisive leadership and effective partnerships to build a resilient, future-ready mining sector.
“With the emergence of the global energy transition, there has never been a more critical moment for decisive leadership,” he said. “The future of electricity, transportation, telecommunications, and global prosperity depends on our work here. Let us embrace this opportunity, not just to discuss change, but to drive it.”
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that mining must be central to achieving greener energy systems. He called for smarter site selection, optimised operations, sustainable processing, efficient waste management, and greater environmental responsibility, not as policy targets but as obligations to future generations.
Alake also outlined Nigeria’s recent steps to attract investment into its solid minerals sector. He cited incentives such as import duty waivers, accelerated capital allowances, and tax holidays, backed by ongoing reforms focused on sustainable extraction, domestic processing, and improved infrastructure.
“These reforms are already delivering results,” he said. “In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Nigeria generated N6.96 billion from mining licence fees, formalised over 1,200 artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives, and registered 118 private mineral buying centres. Our Mining Cadastral Office processed nearly 1,000 title applications and approved hundreds of licences to accelerate responsible development.”
The Minister also underscored Africa’s strategic role in the global supply of critical minerals, including cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum and called for a shift from raw material exports to value-added processing and leadership in global mineral supply chains.
“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, I work closely with my counterparts across the continent to advance a shared agenda of value addition, resource mobilisation, and responsible development,” he said. “Our focus is clear: unlocking inclusive growth from Africa’s vast mineral wealth.”
Alake concluded by urging governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities to collaborate on building transparent and ethical mineral supply chains.
“Nigeria is ready to work with global partners to promote responsible sourcing, encourage beneficiation, and deliver long-term economic value,” he affirmed.