Abdullahi Sule, the governor of Nasarawa State, has highlighted the need for Nigeria to abandon the community consent form as the sole means for granting mining licences. Speaking at the NMGS conference, he pointed out that this restriction hampers states from obtaining proper revenue from the mining sector, which he believes is Nigeria’s true source of wealth, surpassing oil.

To combat the challenges in obtaining mining licences, the governor introduced an executive order mandating that all companies mining in commercial quantities must process their minerals within the state. Prior to this law, despite 416 mining licences existing, Nasarawa State received no revenue. Following implementation, the state saw the establishment of numerous processing plants, boosting local revenue.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising the sector through geospatial data and remote sensing technologies. These initiatives are designed to improve mineral exploration and investment decision-making while minimising uncertainties.

Alake’s representative, Dr. Mary Ogbe, also reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to fostering an environment conducive to innovative growth in mining and related sectors. This includes the creation of mineral processing hubs aimed at enhancing value addition and diminishing dependence on raw mineral exports.

Prof. Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, President of NMGS, stated that integrating agriculture with advanced geoscience and mining solutions would significantly transform Nigeria’s economy. He noted that industrialised nations have long recognised this relationship, supporting well-funded geoscience and mining agencies with top-tier talent.

In summary, Governor Abdullahi Sule advocates for reforming Nigeria’s mining licence system to enhance revenue. He has implemented measures in Nasarawa State to facilitate local mineral processing. The federal government is also focused on leveraging technology and creating hubs for mineral processing to boost value addition, aiming to transform the mining sector into a key economic driver alongside agriculture.

Original Source: dailytrust.com

The post Governor Sule Advocates for Mining Licence Reform in Nigeria first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Mines and Steel Development launched the Integrated Automation and Interactive GIS Web Portal, costing N700 million, to improve mining license applications and royalty payments. However, the portal is now inaccessible, raising questions about the management of public digital services. The site experienced a blackout for three days while accessing mining license information in Osun State.

Despite its launch in November 2017 by former Minister Kayode Fayemi, who stated, “We have spent about N700 million to develop this portal to improve Ease-of-Doing-Business in the mining sector,” the portal’s current downtime defies National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) guidelines. These guidelines mandate government websites to be accessible 24/7.

The Ministry has been rebranded under the Tinubu administration, which may indicate system upgrades, yet NITDA guidelines require public notification during such migrations. Given this inaccessibility, users are left with unresolved concerns about transparency and reliability in government digital services, where substantial funds have been invested.

Reports show that many state-owned websites also fail to meet transparency standards. Previous analyses by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council have highlighted these issues. The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has not commented on the portal’s downtime, indicating continued gaps in government accountability.

In a separate legal dispute, Omoyele Sowore defended allegations made against Fayemi, asserting the former governor’s lack of reputation and citing past charges of financial impropriety. The lawsuit has drawn attention to broader issues regarding governance in Ekiti State, including mismanagement of projects like the Ado Ekiti cargo airport and the Ekiti Rice Pyramid initiative.

The inaccessibility of Nigeria’s N700 million mining portal highlights failures in government digital service management, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. Despite significant investments in digital infrastructure, the persistent issues reveal a lack of compliance with established guidelines. Furthermore, ongoing legal troubles for former officials add to the scrutiny surrounding governance in the sector.

Original Source: saharareporters.com

The post Nigeria’s N700 Million Mining Portal Faces Accessibility Issues first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) highlights weak reforms and policies as major obstacles hindering growth in the country’s mining sector. They stress the need for targeted policy reforms, improved governance, and strategic initiatives to tap into the industry’s potential. Lumun Amanda Feese, NESG’s Manufacturing and Mining Policy Commission facilitator, pointed out that despite nearly two decades of reforms, Nigeria lags behind nations that initiated changes earlier.

Feese noted that the current mining framework fails to create effective linkages with sectors like manufacturing, construction, and technology. The mining act remains outdated, offering no space for independent regulation and failing to foster inter-sector connections. Consequently, the sector primarily caters to foreign demands, lacking integration with Nigeria’s broader economy.

The mining landscape is marred by challenges like environmental damage, violent conflicts linked to illegal activities, and insufficient GDP contributions. Rectifying these issues is critical for revitalising the sector and enhancing its role in Nigeria’s economy. Comprehensive reforms aligned with the African Mining Vision (AMV) are needed to address legal and regulatory shortcomings, with coordination between the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Niyi Yusuf, chairman of NESG, stresses collaboration between private and public sectors to transform the mining industry. He describes this endeavour as a long-term commitment essential for economic diversification and job creation. Transformation in this sector is a gradual process, not an immediate fix, and is vital for national growth.

The article addresses the challenges faced by Nigeria’s mining industry, primarily stemming from inadequate institutional reforms and policies. These issues limit the sector’s potential contributions to the economy, despite ongoing reforms over the years. The emphasis is on the need for comprehensive reforms to create synergies across various sectors and ultimately enhance the mining sector’s performance and relevance to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

The article underscores that Nigeria’s mining industry growth is impeded by weak reforms and lack of sector connections. Advocating for comprehensive, multi-faceted reforms, it stresses the necessity of collaboration between stakeholders to revitalise the mining sector. This transformation is essential for job creation and economic diversification, emphasising the industry’s crucial role in national interests.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post Weak Reforms Hindering Nigeria’s Mining Industry Growth first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, outlined plans to establish the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation, designed after the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model. This initiative, discussed during a meeting with UK Ambassador Jonny Baxter, aims to transform Nigeria’s mining sector and ensure sustainable development through private sector involvement and government equity. Alake stated that the corporation will minimise political interference, having received presidential approval for its establishment.

Alake emphasised the government’s strategy to enhance mining accessibility by developing transport infrastructure, improving the regulatory landscape, and securing investor interests. He highlighted 2025 as a crucial year for the administration’s reform efforts, with expectations of positive outcomes emerging from these initiatives. He also encouraged UK investment in Nigeria’s mining sector and welcomed British support in improving regulatory frameworks.

Ambassador Baxter praised the plans to model the new corporation after NLNG, affirming the UK’s commitment to fostering bilateral ties in the mining industry and supporting regulatory enhancements. He expressed that Nigeria’s economic progress is vital for global economic stability.

In related news, Senator Adams Oshiomhole accused retired military generals of being behind illegal mining activities in Nigeria, calling for decisive action from the government to combat this issue.

– Dele Alake stated that the Solid Minerals Corporation will be an enduring legacy, free from future political interference.
– He noted the importance of fostering investor security and expanding geological exploration within Nigeria’s mining sector.

The establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation reflects the government’s intention to innovate and improve the mining sector’s efficiency and global competitiveness. By mirroring the successful NLNG structure, the initiative aims to attract private investments while ensuring effective operational frameworks free from political interferences. Support from international partners like the UK highlights the global significance of Nigeria’s mineral resources in fostering economic growth.

The establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation represents a sizeable shift towards enhancing the mining industry. By investing in infrastructure, improving regulations, and involving international partners, Nigeria seeks to build a sustainable and profitable mining sector. This initiative, along with addressing illegal mining, aims to ensure long-term economic benefits and global recognition for Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

Original Source: www.legit.ng

The post Tinubu’s Government Plans Solid Minerals Corporation Modelled After NLNG first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nigeria, increased lithium demand for electric vehicles has led to child exploitation in illegal mines. The Associated Press investigated this issue in Nasarawa state, revealing children work under unsafe conditions in the mines, earning minimal pay. Notably, a Chinese company was found purchasing lithium without questioning its source, highlighting a lack of oversight. The situation reflects a broader trend of child labour in global mining, particularly in impoverished regions with insufficient educational access and regulations.

Children, some as young as five, were observed working in dangerous conditions, using crude tools to extract lithium from the earth. They typically work long hours, earning a shared income of about $2.42 per day. Most of these children have stopped attending school, often due to financial constraints faced by their families. Miners reported that illegal operations thrive with buyers willing to ignore child labour violations.

Local merchants engage with Chinese companies, such as RSIN Nigeria Limited, to sell lithium at competitive prices, often without scrutiny on the origins of their product. Aliyu Ibrahim, a lithium merchant, noted his business success relies on unofficial networks, with officials turning a blind eye to exploitative practices. Despite acknowledging child labour in his mines, he rationalised it as a means of survival for orphans and impoverished children.

Activists and officials are calling for urgent reforms. Philip Jakpor, from the Renevlyn Development Initiative, noted that profit motives often outweigh human rights considerations, urging suppliers to adopt ethical practices in mining. The Nigerian government is implementing measures to combat child labour through education initiatives and stricter mining regulations. However, the effectiveness of these strategies remains to be seen as the demand for lithium continues to rise globally.

In summary, the report sheds light on the troubling intersection of child labour and the booming lithium market in Nigeria. Children are being exploited in unsafe conditions, working without educational opportunities. There’s an urgent need for accountability from corporations and improved regulations to protect these vulnerable children from ongoing exploitation and secure their rightful access to education and safety.

The rising demand for lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage, has opened new mining opportunities in Nigeria. This expansion, however, has resulted in increasingly prevalent child labour, particularly in illegal mining operations. With poverty driving families to send children to work in hazardous conditions, it has become critical to address the policies and enforcement mechanisms protecting these children. The involvement of international companies raises ethical questions about the sources of their materials and their responsibility towards human rights.

The AP report underscores the urgent issue of child labour within Nigeria’s lithium mining sector. It reveals unsafe working conditions and the complicity of local and international buyers in perpetuating these practices. Without stricter regulations and ethical commitments from corporations, the exploitation of vulnerable children will likely continue as demand for lithium grows, emphasising the need for immediate action to protect their rights and welfare.

Original Source: www.newsday.com

The post Child Labour in Nigeria’s Lithium Mines: An Alarming Report from AP first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Growing lithium demand for electric vehicle batteries is leading to child labour exploitation in Nigeria. Many children work in illegal mines due to poverty, receiving minimal pay and facing dangerous conditions. AP’s investigation revealed unsafe mining practices and a network of unlicensed operations, primarily involving Chinese buyers, with no scrutiny regarding working conditions. Activists and Nigerian officials highlight the necessity to enforce regulations and protect children’s rights amid the booming lithium market.

The rise in lithium extraction in Nigeria, particularly in Nasarawa state, has exacerbated child labour issues. Many children, exploited in mining activities, are subjected to hazardous working conditions while adults operate illegal mining sites. The growth in demand for lithium for batteries fuels this exploitation as miners lack legal frameworks and protections, often selling their output to foreign companies without accountability.

Child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mines is a pressing issue linked to increasing demand for lithium in green technologies. Efforts from activists and government reforms aim to establish safer practices and protect children’s rights, but illegal mining operations and lack of regulation persist. There is an urgent need for effective monitors to ensure responsible mining practices and end child exploitation in the sector.

Original Source: www.timescolonist.com

The post Child Labour Crisis in Nigeria’s Lithium Mines Amid Growing Demand first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has expressed strong disapproval of the N9 billion budget allocated for Nigeria’s mining sector in 2025, calling for a significant increase. In a post on X, Alake argued that this financial allocation is insufficient to harness the country’s mining potential, despite the sector generating N38 billion in revenue in 2024, exceeding an initial projection of N11 billion. He emphasised that to secure substantial investments in exploration activities, an upward review of the budget is essential.

Alake pointed out the success of mining reforms in 2024, which resulted in 45,000 new jobs and enabled Nigeria to attract global attention in the sector. He asserted that the N9 billion budget would severely limit exploration efforts and hinder necessary geo-data generation to engage major investors. Furthermore, the Joint National Assembly Committee on Solid Minerals has also rejected the proposed budget, advocating for increased funding to promote solid minerals as a critical component of economic diversification. Committee Chair Senator Ekong Sampson highlighted the crucial need for investment in exploration to facilitate Nigeria’s green energy transition.

Nigeria is Africa’s leading energy producer but struggles to leverage its mineral resources effectively, contributing less than 1% to its GDP. Persistent challenges include inadequate incentives, rampant illegal activities, and low investment levels. The country aims to diversify its economy and harness the potential of its solid minerals sector, which is viewed as key for future economic stability and growth. Recent reforms demonstrated the possibility of job creation and revenue generation, but the budgetary allocation needs considerable enhancement to facilitate further progress.

In summary, Dr. Dele Alake’s call for an increased budget for Nigeria’s mining sector underscores the necessity of substantial investment for exploration and growth. With the Joint National Assembly Committee echoing his concerns, there is a growing consensus on the urgent need for policy adjustments to ensure Nigeria capitalises on its mineral wealth and drives economic diversification away from oil dependency. Without adequate funding, opportunities for future generations may be severely compromised.

Original Source: nairametrics.com

The post Dele Alake Critiques N9 Billion Mining Budget, Advocates for Increase first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria is becoming a significant source of lithium as demand for renewable energy technologies grows. However, illegal mining operations flourish in communities like Kakanfu in Kwara State, where local leaders and compromised officials collude with artisanal miners. PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation revealed a complex network enabling the illicit sale and transport of lithium, with community members negotiating deals that often bypass national regulations. Although the government is pursuing reforms to regulate mining activities and collect taxes, inefficiencies in enforcement and local corruption allow these illegal operations to persist, undermining potential revenues and environmental protections.

Proceeds from illicit mining contribute to a makeshift economy in Kakanfu, fueling the creation of informal camps that serve various illicit activities, including the presence of sex workers. A lack of legal oversight allows resources to be sold and smuggled with relative ease. With ongoing governmental crackdowns and community levies driving down demand, many artisanal miners are reverting to traditional farming. Despite the government’s announcement of new strategies and partnerships to structure the mining sector, challenges remain as local leaders and miners continue to engage in illegal practices.

The rise of lithium mining in Nigeria is closely linked to the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, particularly for electric vehicle batteries. Yet, the sector is plagued by illegal mining activities due to inadequate regulatory frameworks, corruption, and local complicity. This has significant implications for the economy and the environment, as Nigeria potentially loses billions in revenue while community-driven illicit activities thrive. The federal government’s efforts to regulate the sector are ongoing, but the effectiveness of these measures is undermined by entrenched local practices.

In summary, the investigation into illegal lithium mining in Nigeria highlights the urgent need for reform within the mining sector. Strengthened governance structures are essential to curb illegal practices that undermine the economy and environment. The collaboration between local communities and illicit miners poses a formidable challenge, indicating that without effective oversight, Nigeria may continue to miss opportunities to benefit from its mineral wealth. Future success hinges on the government’s ability to enforce regulations and foster legitimate mining practices.

Original Source: dataphyte.com

The post Illegal Lithium Mining in Nigeria: Community Collusion and Government Challenges first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The increasing demand for lithium, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, has spurred mining activities in Nigeria, particularly in Pasali, where illegal mining has flourished. This boom has resulted in the exploitation of children from impoverished backgrounds, who work long hours in hazardous conditions at unlicensed mines, often neglecting education to support families. Reports indicate that these children are subjected to dangerous mining methods and receive meagre compensation for their efforts, often working under the watchful eye of poorly regulated buyers, predominantly Chinese companies.

A report by the Associated Press details child labour practices, the unsafe conditions miners face, and the lack of oversight by authorities. Activists condemn the situation, urging for reforms and government action. Despite claims from officials regarding new measures to counter child labour, the underlying issues remain concerning as illegal mining operations continue unabated, raising serious ethical questions regarding the supply chains involved in lithium production.

The demand for lithium has surged due to its essential role in powering electric vehicles and as an energy storage solution. This surge has transformed rural communities in Nigeria into active mining sites, particularly for lithium extracted in unsafe and unregulated environments. With over 1 million children globally estimated to be working in similar conditions, Nigeria’s challenge reflects deep-rooted issues of poverty, education, and lack of regulation, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations.

The associated concerns regarding child labour in Nigeria’s lithium mining sector exemplify a troubling intersection of economic exploitation and human rights. Although local and international efforts are geared towards addressing these issues, immediate actions and reforms are essential to safeguard the welfare of children involved in such perilous work. Ensuring responsible mining practices and protecting vulnerable populations must remain a priority as the demand for lithium continues to rise.

Original Source: www.independent.co.uk

The post Exploitation of Child Labour in Nigeria’s Lithium Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In Nasarawa, Nigeria, the surge in lithium demand for batteries has led to child labour in illegal mining operations, where poor children work to support their families. The Associated Press uncovered the grim realities of these mines during their investigation, revealing unsafe working conditions and the exploitation of children. With over a million minors working in mines globally, Nigeria’s situation reflects broader issues of poverty and weak regulations. Negotiations with Chinese companies often overlook the sources of the lithium, while activists urge for reforms to protect child rights.

The rise in demand for lithium, largely due to its use in electric vehicle batteries, has led to a boom in Nigeria’s informal, unlicensed mining activities. This unregulated sector has particularly drawn in vulnerable children, who often lack educational opportunities and work in hazardous conditions. The pervasive poverty drives families to depend on the income generated through these small-scale mining operations, further entrenching child labour practices within communities. Calls for government reforms and corporate responsibility are growing, as child welfare takes a back seat to profit.

The AP report highlights the troubling intersection of rising lithium demand and rampant child exploitation in Nigeria’s mining sector. While ongoing reforms aim to address child labour and improve working conditions, the persistence of unsafe practices and child involvement in mining underscores the urgent need for accountability among governments and corporations. Without immediate action, children’s rights remain endangered, threatening their futures and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Original Source: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca

The post Child Labour Crisis in Nigeria’s Lithium Mining: An AP Report Overview first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.