The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has commended the National Assembly lawmakers for calling for the sector to be placed on first-line charge.
Dr. Alake had appeared on Monday before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals Development to present the Ministry’s 2024 budget performance and outline projections for year 2026.
The session, which was chaired by Ekong Sampson and Jonathan Gaza moved from a routine budget review to a broader debate on funding sustainability and sector prioritization.
The lawmakers warned that zero capital releases for the Ministry are undermining Nigeria’s ₦1 trillion mining ambition.
To this end, they threw their weight behind placing the Solid Minerals Ministry on a first-line charge, on the same funding priority pedestal as critical national obligations—to shield it from inconsistent treasury releases.
Elated with the lawmakers ‘ move, the Minister openly endorsed the proposal, saying it’s “a sweet song in my ears,”
He urged them to take the necessary steps to make it a reality.
According to him, achieving the Ministry’s mandate, early and sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources, environmental sanitation, and global competitiveness, requires scientifically certified geological data and sustained funding.
Dr. Alake said “There is no way we can achieve these lofty goals without internationally certified geological data.”
He stressed that the recent geological data acquisition has already boosted Nigeria’s profile among global mining investors.
Despite funding constraints, he unveiled strong performance indicators for 2024, about 81 per cent of the ₦31.24 billion appropriation was released and utilized, against a ₦11.8 billion revenue target, the Ministry generated over ₦28 billion, representing a 139 per cent increase above projections.
The Minister said that over 350 illegal miners were arrested, with more than 150 prosecuted through strengthened Mine Marshals operations.
The Ministry, he said, also formalized artisanal miners by organizing them into cooperatives to improve regulation, enhance bankability, and increase royalty and tax collection.
The Honourable Minister further disclosed that Nigeria’s artisanal mining model is attracting continental attention, with an African minister planning a visit to understudy the framework.
Since the 2026 budget largely a rollover of 2025 figures, the Minister appealed for clarity on service-wide provisions and urged lawmakers to help secure timely treasury releases.
Dr. Alake warned that without predictable funding, the Ministry’s capacity to expand geological mapping, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and deepen reforms could be constrained
Before the Minister spoke, a lawmaker had described the mining sector as “very sensitive” and strategic, stressing that without guaranteed funding, Nigeria risks missing out on its vast mineral wealth.
“How can we develop the mining sector with zero capital releases?” the lawmakers queried
The lawmakers described the situation as worrisome despite the headline ₦1 trillion intervention previously announced for the sector.
Noting that while the budgetary framework appeared ambitious, the lawmakers said that implementation has lagged due to poor releases. Members stressed that without actual cash backing, investor confidence could erode.
Acknowledging the Ministry’s strides in boosting revenue and sanitizing the sector, they warned that inconsistent capital releases could undermine investor enthusiasm.
According to them, the investors have shown strong interest in Nigeria’s mining potential at international forums, but noted that funding certainty remains critical to sustaining that momentum.
“There’s a compelling logic that we must prioritize the sector,” the committee chair said,
Placing solid minerals on first-line charge, he said, would enhance investor confidence and signal seriousness of purpose.
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Head (Press and Public Relations Department)
17th February, 2026
