KEY POINTS

• Nigeria recovered over 90 mining sites from illegal operators in 2024.
• The Federal Government generated N28 billion from solid minerals.
• Mining reforms are central to the push for economic diversification.

The Federal Government has recovered over 90 mining sites from illegal operators and generated N28 billion in revenue from the solid minerals sector in 2024, surpassing its budgetary target for the year. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this during the South-West stakeholders’ dialogue organised by Afenifere in collaboration with the DAWN Commission and South-West governors.

Speaking at the two-day summit themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” Alake said the recovery of these mining sites underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing lawful practices in mineral exploration while curbing the environmental and economic damage caused by illegal mining.

Nigeria mining sector revenue exceeds projections

The minister revealed that over 300 illegal miners have been arrested, with 50 currently facing prosecution and more than 20 already convicted since the start of the current administration. He added that the ministry, in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, has deployed mining marshals across several states to protect licensed operators and secure mining sites.

According to Punch, Alake also said the ministry’s revenue performance far outpaced expectations. “The Federal Government raked in N28 billion as revenue in 2024 from the ministry. The ministry over-performed on its budgetary target in 2024,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s stance that raw minerals should no longer be exported without local processing, as Nigeria aims to retain value and create industrial linkages across the economy. This approach, he said, will not only strengthen Nigeria mining sector revenue but also expand job creation and technological development.

Reforms drive accountability in governance

During the same dialogue, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, expressed concerns over alleged interference by federal appointees of the All Progressives Congress in state affairs ahead of the next governorship election. Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Adeleke said local government funds had been seized earlier in the year without court approval, while some security agencies appeared to protect partisan interests.

He criticised such actions as a breach of federal balance and collaboration. “Osun State remains open to productive engagement with the federal government, but abuse of power undermines cooperation,” he said.