CSOs allege powerful elites depleting Nigeria’s mineral resources 

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), short of naming names, have strongly alleged that powerful elites were sponsoring illegal  mining to strip Nigeria of its mineral wealth. The stakeholders said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. They warned that the situation could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification policy, aimed at  enhancing the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  It would be recalled that Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, had alleged that retired military officers were involved in illegal mining, using sophisticated machinery and procuring arms for the activity. He said that they use choppers to transport minerals out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process.  He added that the arms procured to secure illegal mining sites were also used for banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Dakpor, stated that powerful interests were behind illegal mining, depriving Nigeria of revenue from the sector, which required deliberate action to address the menace “There is no doubt that powerful interests are behind illegal mining across the country, so Comrade Adams Oshiomhole may be right in pointing fingers. However, his allegations lack the political will needed to address the issue. “This is because he said the perpetrators are known yet no names were mentioned, and no one has been arrested. If those behind the menace are known and can’t be named and arrested then it shows something even deeper. “ It is either collusion at certain quarters in government or total negligence, but I suspect it is collusion. Some people in government are benefiting maximally from illegal mining and so choose not to halt the practice, “ he said. An activist, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, alleged that traditional rulers were conniving with illegal miners, mostly expatriates, to cart away Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Jabi, the Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, said that locals in mining communities aid illegal miners in perpetrating the act. “These activities have been on over the years and government did not pay attention to it, until it got escalated with illegal expatriates coming to the country with machineries. “They are using residents and citizens within those communities, who show them the way, and then connive with traditional rulers to perpetrate these wounds against the states, “ he said. He described the situation as complex, resulting from factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public office holders. “ It is a network that is critical to destroy. Its not as easy as you see it, because the high and the mighty are behind it. “This is because a poor man, who cannot feed, who has no energy, cannot go to exploration of minerals resources that is almost 200 or 500 miles into the mother earth.  “Who will give him the equipment? Who will provide him with security to do that, “ he said. The activist listed poor governance, weak leadership, and a deteriorating economic situation as factors further making the sector vulnerable to expatriates, whom he alleged were supported by some leaders. According  to him,  to address the situation, a holistic legal framework must be established to ensure that the solid minerals sector received the required attention.  He emphasised the need for adequate logistics to enable the government to implement strict measures for the benefit of the people, rather than a few individuals who were exploiting the nation’s resources. It will be recalled that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, during the Ministry’s budget defence in 2023, had also alleged that illegal miners were sponsoring banditry in the affected states. He said that efforts were ongoing to identify the perpetrators, adding that various strategies, including both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were being deployed to address the situation.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals goes into TV drama production

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development says the ministry is set to premier a television drama series on mining, titled ‘Hidden Riches,’ on Jan. 25. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made the disclosure in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja. Alake said that the series will showcase the potential and complexities of Nigeria’s mining sector to shore up its development. A statement by Segun Tomori, Media Assistant to the minister says the debut is “Produced by Take 7 Media and directed by Bem Pever and Nwamaka Chikezie, the series will officially make its debut on January 25, 2025, from 8:05 pm to 8:30 pm. READ ALSO: Grow Nigeria First, Advocates Trade Minister, Oduwole “It will be aired weekly, every Saturday on the Network Service of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA),” he said. He stated that the series would feature a stellar cast, including Sydney Diala, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Iveren Antiev, and Alex Jibrin, among others. According to the minister, the series is set to unravel the complex dynamics of politics, power, and ambition surrounding the nation’s vast mineral wealth. He emphasised the importance of the series in highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s mining sector as a key driver of economic transformation. “The gripping storyline follows the interconnected lives of miners, politicians, activists, and everyday citizens as they navigate challenges and opportunities in harnessing the hidden treasures beneath the nation’s soil. ‘Through its powerful narrative, “Hidden Riches” highlights the transformative potential of solid minerals as a vital alternative for sustainable economic growth and resource management,” he said. READ ALSO: A New Terror Group Emerges in Sokoto The minister explained that the series aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to diversify Nigeria’s economy. He stated that the series’ compelling narrative would raise awareness of the opportunities within the solid minerals sector, thus encouraging citizens to engage in building a sustainable future. Public policy analysts however, express reservations about the pertinence of a minister of solid minerals development delving in drama production, especially at a time the nation searches earnestly for way out of difficult economic challenges.

President Tinubu Commissions Lithium Processing Factory in Nasarawa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, unveiled a Lithium processing factory constructed by Avatar New Energy Materials Limited, a Chinese company. The event, held at Kama Otto in Nasarawa Local Government Area, exemplified a robust partnership between the federal government, the state, and private investors. Dignitaries at the event included the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, federal lawmakers, former state leaders, and traditional rulers. President Tinubu, in his address, hailed the collaboration as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to economic diversification. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Lithium Company, foreseeing its role in positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global Lithium market. Tinubu stated, “Realising the benefits of Lithium and other mineral resources, our administration will continue to pay particular attention to the maximum utilisation of the product for the benefit of our people.” Furthermore, he articulated the government’s aspiration for comprehensive value chain processing of Lithium and other minerals. Tinubu urged both domestic and international companies to engage with Avatar Company, emphasizing its pivotal role in Nigeria’s growth trajectory. Acknowledging the support received during the previous Presidential election, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the people of Nasarawa with the tangible contribution of the Lithium processing factory. He underscored the transformative impact of Nigeria’s participation in the production value chain of Lithium, heralding a new era of technological partnership and empowerment. Governor Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu and the local communities for their instrumental support in attracting such investment to Nasarawa. He highlighted the remarkable transformation of the region, previously plagued by security challenges, into a conducive environment for industrial development. The Minister, Dele Alake emphasized the profitability and feasibility of similar ventures, noting the increasing interest from investors. He advocated for robust protection of Lithium battery companies from foreign competition, citing their pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic resurgence.

President Tinubu’s Minister, Dele Alake Speaks On Contesting Governorship Election

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, says he has no interest in contesting to become the governor of Ekiti state. In a statement on Monday, Segun Tomori, the minister’s media aide, said Alake has nothing to do with the campaign posters circulating on social media, describing them as fake. He said Alake is committed to his current national assignment as a minister. Tomori added that Alake supports the current administration of Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti. The minister, an indigene of Ekiti, served as a commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos from 1999 to 2007. “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake has been drawn to a poster that is circulating on social media and across WhatsApp groups where he is positioned as a gubernatorial aspirant in Ekiti State with the inscription ‘Take it Back’,” the statement reads. “The general public is hereby informed that Dr Alake has no interest in running for the governorship election in Ekiti State, either now or in the future.  “The poster in circulation does not have his approval as he does not know the people behind it. It is fake and should be discarded. “It is unconscionable that the Honourable Minister who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State.  “The Honourable Minister is a busy man, working tirelessly on how to make the solid minerals sector a major revenue earner for the country and for the sector to create thousands of high-paying jobs for Nigerians.”

Tinubu appoints 8 new Special Advisers

*Dele Alake, Nuhu Ribadu get appointments President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dele Alake as Special Adviser Special Duties, Communications and Strategy. According to a statement signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director Information, State House on Thursday, seven others also got appointments in the new government of President Bola Tinubu. The statement reads: President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following as Special Advisers: Mr. Dele Alake(Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy); Mr. Yau Darazo (Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs); Mr. Wale Edun (Special Adviser, Monetary Policies) and Mrs. Olu Verheijen(Special Adviser, Energy). Others are: Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji (Special Adviser, Revenue); Mr. Nuhu Ribadu (Special Adviser, Security); Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu(Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment) and Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas as(Special Adviser, Health).