Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has recorded a significant increase in revenue, rising to over 70 billion naira in 2025. This growth is attributed to wide‑ranging reforms and strategic policies that have repositioned the country’s mining sector and attracted renewed global interest. According to Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, revenue from the sector jumped from 16 billion naira in 2023 to 38 billion naira in 2024 and is projected to exceed 70 billion naira by the end of 2025. The improvement stems from the minister’s seven‑point agenda, which emphasizes reforms, transparency, investor confidence and local value addition.
The ministry has revoked a total of 2,557 mining licences—1,633 in late 2023 and 924 in early 2024—due to non‑payment of annual service fees. This move aims to create space for serious investors and promote responsible mining practices. Guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDAs) have also been revised to ensure that host communities give consent before licences are approved.
To combat illegal mining, the ministry established mining marshals in 2024. Their efforts have led to the arrest of over 300 illegal miners, with about 150 now facing prosecution, and the recovery of 98 illegal mining sites. Nationwide satellite surveillance of mining sites is slated to begin in 2026 to further strengthen enforcement.
Nigeria’s push for local value addition has resulted in the formation of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, with Dr. Alake elected as its pioneer chairman. Although the revenue growth is unprecedented, it remains a fraction of the sector’s vast potential. The minister plans to consolidate reforms in 2026 to make solid minerals a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
To address federal‑state conflicts over mining control, the minister introduced cooperative federalism, encouraging states to apply for mining licences and operate through limited‑liability companies. This approach has produced joint‑venture investments in several states, including Nasarawa, Kaduna, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory. The sector has also attracted significant foreign direct investment—about $1.5 billion since 2023—and a $400 million rare‑earth metals facility is currently in the pipeline.
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