The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says he has received threats following the revocation of over 1,200 mining licences, insisting the reform is necessary to sanitise the sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, says he has received threats over the recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licences for non-payment of annual fees.
Alake, who spoke at a news conference ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, said some affected operators had threatened international arbitration and sponsored media attacks against the reform.
He said sanitising the sector was necessary despite resistance, noting that the move would ensure Nigeria obtained fair revenue from its mineral resources.
“Some people have had licenses since former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime but have not used it,” he said.
Alake noted that the solid minerals sector’s contribution to GDP had grown from less than 0.5 per cent a decade ago to 4.65 per cent, reflecting increased investment and operations.
He said the ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed to make Nigeria a competitive global mining destination.