Alake: Tinubu’s Reforms Will Overcome Decades of Corruption and Economic Instability

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, asserted that the reforms underway under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address decades of corruption, economic instability, weak institutions and underdevelopment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the first Solid Minerals Excellence Awards 2026 in Abuja, Alake said earlier administrations lacked the political will to implement the critical reforms needed to reposition the country’s economy.

He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is committed to carrying out difficult but essential reforms aimed at securing long‑term national development rather than short‑term political gains.

The minister explained that the current economic hardship across the country is a painful but necessary transition to build a stronger, more sustainable economy.

Drawing a comparison with reforms introduced in Lagos State, Alake noted that similar policies initially faced resistance before transforming the state into one of Africa’s largest economies through improved revenue generation, institutional efficiency and strategic planning.

Regarding the solid minerals sector, Alake said the federal government has identified mining as a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s economic diversification drive to reduce dependence on oil revenue.

He stated that the ministry has embarked on comprehensive reforms targeting illegal mining, insecurity, weak regulation, dormant licences and lack of transparency in the sector.

According to him, digitising mining operations and licensing processes has improved transparency, simplified licence access and attracted thousands of new investors and operators.

Alake further disclosed that the government reviewed dormant mining licences and strengthened compliance measures to ensure mining assets contribute directly to national development.

He added that over 2,000 trained personnel have been recruited and deployed under the Mining Marshals initiative to combat illegal mining and protect mining communities nationwide.

The minister said the initiative has already resulted in several arrests and prosecutions, while many operators have pledged to comply with government regulations.

He also stressed the need for Nigeria to prioritise local value addition and industrialisation, noting that Africa’s mineral resources have historically been exploited for the benefit of foreign economies since the colonial era.

According to him, the federal government is now encouraging local processing of minerals to stimulate industrial growth, create jobs, improve technology transfer and increase the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.

In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary Yusuf Yabo said the event was not only a celebration of achievements in the mining sector but also a recognition of partnerships, investments, innovation and transformation under the ministry’s current leadership.

Yabo noted that the federal government remains committed to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a major driver of economic diversification, industrial growth, job creation and national development.

He praised the minister’s leadership and expressed optimism that the administration’s vision for the sector will be realised.

Also speaking at the event, Oladunmi Owo described the awards as a historic platform established to recognise individuals, institutions and organisations promoting reforms, innovation and sustainable development within Nigeria’s mining industry.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of D‑Gold, Omur Sahinolu, said sustainable mining, responsible governance, technological innovation and credible investment frameworks remain critical to building a transparent and globally competitive mining industry in Nigeria.

Several individuals and organisations received awards at the ceremony in recognition of their contributions to the development of the solid minerals sector.