How we recovered 90 mining sites from illegal operators – Minister

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has disclosed that the Federal Government has successfully reclaimed more than 90 mining sites from illegal operators across Nigeria.

Speaking on Thursday in Akure at the ongoing South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue jointly organised by Afenifere, the DAWN Commission, and the South-West Governors’ Forum, Alake said the government’s renewed focus on the mining sector was yielding tangible results.

The dialogue, themed “Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future,” brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, and regional stakeholders.

According to the minister, over 300 illegal miners have so far been apprehended, with 50 of them currently facing prosecution and more than 20 already convicted since the start of the current administration.

Alake revealed that the ministry, in partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had established a special task force known as the Mining Marshals to safeguard mining locations and enforce compliance with mining laws.

He also announced that the ministry generated ₦28 billion in 2024, surpassing its budgetary target for the year.

“Our policy is clear — no raw mineral should leave the shores of Nigeria without undergoing local value addition.

This ensures that our communities and industries benefit from the wealth beneath our soil,” he stated.

Alake further cautioned traditional rulers and local leaders against aiding illegal miners, warning that short-term gains must not compromise the nation’s long-term economic stability.

Representing the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his deputy, Mr. Kola Adewusi, urged South-West leaders to rise above partisan divisions and work collectively for the region’s progress.

He warned that discussions at the summit would be futile if resolutions were not implemented.

“We must move from dialogue to action if we truly desire unity and development,” Adeleke said, calling on the descendants of Oduduwa to embrace forgiveness and mutual understanding.

The governor also decried what he described as the politicisation of federal projects in Osun, alleging that federal initiatives were being directed through partisan channels rather than the state government.

“Partisan considerations now determine federal interactions with Osun State. Some federal operatives have chosen an adversarial approach, excluding the state from access to national opportunities,” he lamented.

On his part, the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr. Seye Oyeleye, emphasised the importance of institutional cooperation within the region.

He said, “This summit offers a platform to strengthen collaboration rooted in shared values, heritage, and destiny. History teaches that real progress is built on partnerships, not isolation.”

Oyeleye urged stakeholders to make the forum an enduring mechanism for engagement between the South-West and the Federal Government.
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