Minister Alake Extends Apology to Senate and Discusses Mining Sector Plans
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, expressed his regret to the Senate for not attending its previous invitations and emphasized that he would never intentionally disregard Parliament’s summons, given his past efforts in fighting for democracy. He affirmed his commitment to respecting democratic institutions and shared his highest respect for the Senate, acknowledging its critical role.
Alake addressed the Senate’s concern by revealing plans to integrate artisanal miners into a structured framework within the Solid Minerals sector, aiming to move away from labelling them as illegal miners. This shift in approach demonstrates the Ministry’s willingness to engage with and formalise the activities of artisanal miners.
The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, led by Senator Ekong Sampson, had called upon the Minister to clarify his repeated non-attendance to their invitations and had even raised the possibility of allocating zero resources to the Ministry. In response, Alake explained that his prior official duties on behalf of the President, paired with the flexibility of ministerial responsibilities, had caused delays in his appearance before the Committee.
He concurred with the legislators on the importance of economic diversification and emphasised the potential of the minerals sector as a key driver in this transition. Alake highlighted the significance of creating an attractive environment for investors, citing the interest of international investors, including the United States, in Nigeria’s minerals sector.
Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of establishing extensive geoscientific data to showcase the wealth of minerals in Nigeria and to entice foreign investors. Alake also outlined the Ministry’s policy to encourage the formalisation of artisanal miners by granting them licenses, thereby distinguishing them from illegal miners. In contrast, criminal activities such as mining in prohibited areas would be subject to prosecution and penalties.
Alake underlined the Ministry’s efforts to combat illegal mining through the proposed establishment of a dedicated Multi-Agency mines surveillance Team on the ground and the implementation of advanced satellite security mapping from the air. He also shared ongoing collaborations with national security agencies to develop a robust strategy for addressing illegal mining activities.
In conclusion, Minister Alake’s address to the Senate conveyed the Ministry’s commitment to integrating artisanal miners and combatting illegal mining activities, while also striving to attract international investment. His willingness to engage with the legislative body and provide clarity on the Ministry’s plans reflects a proactive stance towards driving the growth of the minerals sector in Nigeria.
