Alake Faces Threats, Media Attacks Over Revocation of Mining Licences

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that he has been receiving threats and facing orchestrated media attacks following the recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licences across the Country.
Alake, who made this known during a Press Conference in Abuja ahead of the 10th edition of Nigeria’s Mining Week, said the move to cancel the licences was part of a broader reform aimed at restoring order, transparency, and accountability to the mining sector.
The Minister explained that the affected licences were revoked due to the holders’ failure to meet statutory obligations, including the payment of annual service fees.
He noted that many operators had long abandoned their sites, depriving the Government of vital revenue and leaving valuable mineral assets unutilised.
“Since the revocation, I have received several threats, including those claiming they will take me to International arbitration.
Some are also sponsoring negative media campaigns to tarnish the reform efforts of this administration,” Alake stated.
He emphasized that the Federal Government would not succumb to intimidation or blackmail from defaulters determined to frustrate the sanitisation of the mining industry.
According to him, the decision to revoke the licences was taken in strict adherence to the Mining Act and regulations guiding the sector.
Alake further noted that Nigeria’s mineral resources belong to the Nigerian people and must contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
He reiterated that the ministry’s reforms were designed to attract credible investors, boost revenue generation, and position Nigeria as a global player in the mineral sector.
The Minister assured genuine operators of the Government’s support, adding that the reforms would eliminate speculators and illegal miners who undermine the sector’s potential.
Nigeria’s Mining Week, which will mark its 10th edition this year, is themed “Nigeria Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance” and will bring together stakeholders, investors, and policymakers to discuss sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.