By Gabriel Ewepu, Abuja
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has affirmed that the Mining Marshals tasked with protecting Nigeria’s mining sector and combating illegal mining have successfully delivered on their mandate.
Speaking on Wednesday during a lecture for Course 34 at the Nigerian Defence College, Abuja, Alake highlighted the Marshals’ operational achievements and outlined plans to expand their operations nationwide.
“The Mining Marshals have performed gallantly and professionally in accordance with their mandate. With strengthened logistics — including vehicles, equipment, and weaponry — they can expand to cover all 774 Local Government Areas of the country,” Alake said.
According to the Minister, the Marshals have reclaimed 90 sites from illegal miners and bandits, prosecuted over 300 suspects, and monitored 450 sites threatened by illicit activities. He also commended the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, and other security agencies for fostering collaboration that has enabled the Marshals to operate effectively.
Alake further explained the value chain of the solid minerals sector, encompassing licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing, and sales. He credited the sector’s progress to his Seven-Point Agenda, which aims to sanitize the industry, curb financial leakages, prosecute offenders, restore investor confidence, and accelerate mineral licence issuance.
He also noted a substantial growth in the Ministry’s revenue, rising from N6 billion in 2022 to N12 billion in 2024, and currently N26 billion as of October 2025. This, he said, is due to stricter compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, with over 3,700 mining titles revoked for failing to pay annual fees or meet operational requirements. Companies have also been urged to comply with Community Development Agreements (CDA) and environmental obligations.
Looking ahead, Alake highlighted the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company as a key step in attracting joint-venture investors and positioning the sector for international competitiveness.
In appreciation, Air Commodore Olushola Oluokun, Director of Information, Communications, and Technology at the Nigerian Defence College, thanked the Minister for the lecture, noting that it provided valuable insights into the solid minerals sector for course participants.
The Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening sector security, promoting compliance, and driving economic growth through mining.
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