Despite Death Threats Over Licence Revocations, Minister Alake Vows to Continue Solid Minerals Reform

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that he has tripled his personal security following death threats received from individuals whose mining licences were revoked as part of the government’s aggressive reform agenda.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, Minister Alake declared that he remains “undaunted” and will not back down from enforcing strict mining regulations, regardless of the intimidation.

Death Threats Over Sector Reforms

Minister Alake made it clear that the threats were a direct response to his insistence on cleaning up the country’s mining sector, which has long been plagued by illegal operations and non-compliance.

“I have had to triple my personal security following threats received from some of those whose licences were revoked, but I am undaunted,” Alake stated. He vowed to enforce mining regulations “no matter whose ox is gored,” emphasizing that his confidence is based on fighting “for the sake of our country.”

The Minister stressed that a conducive operating environment “should not indulge those who are in constant default of the regulations.”

Reform Drives GDP Contribution Up

Alake also highlighted the positive impact of his crackdown and improved regulations, noting a significant boost in the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the second quarter of 2025, the contribution of mining to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen from less than 0.5% to 1.8%. This increase, he asserts, validates the tough stance on enforcing compliance and revoking non-performing licences.