Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has vowed that the federal government will remain resolute in combating illegal mining and related security threats, despite escalating efforts by critics to undermine reforms through media smear campaigns and unsubstantiated allegations. Speaking at a public forum, Alake emphasized that the primary obstacles to progress in the mining sector stem from external actors profiting from illegal operations rather than administrative shortcomings.
The minister singled out resistance to newly deployed mine marshals—a security force tasked with curbing illicit activities—as a focal point of recent pushback. He revealed that while some mining operators have accused marshals of soliciting bribes, none have provided verifiable evidence to support these claims. “When individuals alleged that the head of the marshals demanded bribes, I urged them to present proof,” Alake said. “One promised evidence six months ago but never returned. These accusations are baseless.”
Attempts to discredit the initiative have extended to media outlets, according to Alake, who cited a case where a television station retracted and publicly apologized for publishing false allegations against the marshals’ leader. The station reportedly admitted to being paid for the “hatchet job,” highlighting concerns about journalistic ethics. “This underscores a broader issue of unbalanced reporting in some media circles,” Alake noted, adding that legal action prompted the retraction.
Alake reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to transforming the sector, crediting President Bola Tinubu’s emphasis on accountability as a driving force. He firmly dismissed suggestions that marshals would be removed without concrete proof of wrongdoing, stating, “Our hands are on the plough, and there’s no looking back. I will not yield to blackmail or inducements.”
The minister’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s mining industry, a sector plagued by illegal operations that fuel violence, environmental damage, and revenue losses. While reforms have shown early signs of progress—including increased seizures of illegally mined minerals—Alake acknowledged that vested interests continue to exploit misinformation to stall change. His resolve signals the government’s determination to prioritize long-term sectoral stability over short-term political pressures.
