Enhancing Security and Investment in Nigeria’s Mining Sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has recently unveiled a series of new security measures aimed at enhancing safety at mining sites across Nigeria. During an interview with BusinessDay, Alake stressed the imperative nature of bolstered security protocols in addressing the myriad challenges confronting the sector. He outlined plans to establish a novel security entity in collaboration with the National Security Advisor and the Ministry of Defence, with a primary focus on harnessing advanced technology to optimize operational efficacy.

Alake accentuated the pivotal role of integrating technology into security operations, affirming that the innovative security approach will encompass the utilization of artificial intelligence to identify high-risk zones and allocate security resources accordingly. This paradigm shift towards a technology-driven security framework is designed to more efficiently address security concerns, departing from conventional kinetic warfare strategies.

Moreover, Alake underscored the pivotal role of data in propelling sectoral advancement, acknowledging the government’s investment in generating and certifying geoscientific data to bolster investor confidence. The endorsement of data by international agencies is set to fortify investor faith and streamline well-informed investment decisions.

The minister also clarified the constitutional jurisdiction pertaining to the regulation of mining activities, asserting that state governments lack the authority to dictate policy directives on minerals. Nonetheless, he highlighted that states can partake as operators by applying for licenses and fulfilling requisite criteria to engage in mining activities.

Alake’s comprehensive approach towards fortifying security and bolstering investor trust in the mining sector mirrors the government’s dedication to cultivating a conducive environment for sustainable growth and development.