Receiving the management team of the NCDC in his office, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, disclosed that more than 300 small-scale and artisanal miners had been organised into cooperatives, as part of ongoing persuasive efforts to steer them away from illegal mining and integrate them into the formal sector.

According to him, the Bola Tinubu administration has so far arrested over 300 illegal miners while about 150 including foreigners, are currently undergoing prosecution.

He further disclosed the North Central region had benefitted immensely from the  ministry’s local value addition policy as new mineral processing projects had taken off in the region.

According to the minister, through value addition policy, mining is contributing more than $2 billion to the country’s economy as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration continues to develop the regenerative sectors of the economy.

He explained that the policy was designed to encourage in-country processing and beneficiation of mineral resources, thereby reducing raw material exportation while boosting industrial growth, job creation, and overall economic diversification.

He assured that the president was focused on building enduring legacies, noting that the commission stood as one of such lasting institutions.

Alake further highlighted the need for a robust working relationship between the ministry and other development commissions, stressing the critical role of the solid minerals sector in driving broader economic growth.

He assured the commission of the ministry’s total support in delivering on its mandate, while urging its leadership to prioritise strategic collaboration, transparency and effective project execution to maximise impact across the region.

“You have a very critical role to play and note that you are not doing it for the president or the government. You’re doing it for the Nigerian nation. And your own names would also be etched in the sands of time, that when you were there, when you had the opportunity, you made your own contributions. This is my own guiding philosophy and your conscience will be clear and you can go to bed in peace. You don’t have to make material acquisition your main focus because materialism is transient, a flash in the pan,” the minister advised.

Earlier, the Managing Director, NCDC, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said the visit was meant to seek areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

Tsenyil noted that such partnerships were essential for aligning their efforts, leveraging shared resources, and driving sustainable development initiatives across the North Central region.

While highlighting the region’s rich mineral deposits, the MD proposed the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to drive development in the sub-sector.

The meeting concluded with a commitment by both institutions to establish a technical working committee to drive progress.

The NCDC is a federal government agency established by law set up to drive development in Nigeria’s North Central region.

The enabling law is the North Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act (2024)  under President Bola Tinubu.

The commission focuses on the North Central geopolitical zone, which includes Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).

The NCDC was created to close this development gap, similar to what agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, do in their regions.

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The post FG, NCDC partner to unlock North Central mining potential appeared first on Frontpageng.

Speaking at a high-level panel themed “Critical Minerals in Africa: Meeting Global Demand” at the on going Powering Africa Summit in Washington, D.C., United States, Alake emphasized that sustainable partnerships with Africa remained the fastest route to meeting rising global demand for critical minerals.

He called for the development of regional industrial corridors akin to the Lobito Corridor, noting that similar belts —such as the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, spanning Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the Walvis Bay Corridor linking Southern and Central Africa to global markets—could unlock vast mineral potential across the continent.

According to the minister, such corridors would serve as economic catalysts by driving infrastructure development, enhancing energy access, and promoting regional integration.

“The development of nuclear power in one West African country, for instance, can service an entire corridor. With that in place, local beneficiation, technology transfer, manufacturing, and cross-border industrialization will naturally follow. If three to five such corridors are developed in Africa, we would significantly advance industrialization across the continent, creating a win-win outcome for both Africa and the West,” he stated.

Highlighting the impact of reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Alake noted that strengthened governance structures, improved regulatory frameworks, digitization of licensing processes, and enhanced ease of doing business have repositioned Nigeria’s mining sector as a key driver of economic diversification.

He explained that reforms introduced in the last two and half years now guaranteed mineral title holders secure tenure, thereby providing the long-term stability required for investment decisions.

In addition, Alake disclosed that the government was expanding the generation of scientific and  internationally certified geological data to support informed decision-making by both local and international investors.

On security, Alake acknowledged challenges within the sector but noted significant progress through the establishment of Mining Marshals.

He revealed that over 350 suspected illegal miners including foreign nationals had been arrested within one year, with more than 150 currently undergoing prosecution, asserting that this has sent the right signals that Nigeria means business.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to genuine investors, the minister emphasized strict compliance with local laws and regulations while outlining key investment incentives, including tax waivers on imported mining equipment and full repatriation of profits after due payment of royalties and taxes.

“We have successfully de-risked and sanitized the mining environment, making it conducive to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Within the last two and a half years, we have attracted over $2.6 billion in FDI into the sector,” he affirmed.

In her remarks, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Origination at the U.S. Export-Import Bank, EXIM, Sarah Whitten, noted that the mining sector required successful collaborations contingent on the commitment of participating governments and the sustainability of agreements beyond political cycles.

“American banks are ready to support projects, but our role is to catalyze and unlock private sector capital. There are institutions positioned to directly finance critical minerals projects. If we succeed in unlocking that capital, we have fulfilled our mandate,” she said.

Asides Alake, the panel session featured Guinean Minister of Energy, Hon. Sekou Camara; Managing Partner, Denham Capital, Carl Tricoli; CEO, ReElement Technologies Africa, Ben Kinkaid; Senior Vice-President, Global Head of Origination, US Export-Import Bank (EXIM), Sarah Whitten; Chief Strategic Development Officer, TechMet, Heliana Matza and Partner, Mc Dermott Will & Schulte,  Jahan Khandokar.

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The post Alake advocates regional hubs to power Africa’s mining industry appeared first on Frontpageng.

King Charles will host President Tinubu and his wife at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond.

The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

While at Windsor Castle, Their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.

Later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.

The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening.

President Tinubu will also hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries.

The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

President Tinubu will witness the signing of the landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The president will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.

Members of the president’s entourage include: Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

Others are: Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

President Tinubu will return to the country at the conclusion of the State Visit.

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The post Tinubu begins historic state visit to United Kingdom Tuesday appeared first on Frontpageng.

He emphasized the imperative of enhanced bilateral collaboration to accelerate growth, attract investment, and entrench global best practices in the industry.

Speaking while receiving the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, in his office on Thursday, Alake reflected on history, recalling Canada’s principled support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He noted that Canada’s firm stance galvanized international backing for democratic restoration, culminating in the return to civil rule in 1999.

“Canada stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people during our pro-democracy struggle. The cooperation we enjoyed from the Canadian High Commission was exemplary and deeply encouraging. We regarded Canada as an archetypal pro-democracy ally. Today, we are committed to strengthening that relationship, particularly in mining and mineral development, where Canada’s global reputation for excellence is well established,” the minister stated.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with Canada to de-risk the mining environment, attract foreign direct investment, enhance capacity building for mining professionals, formalise and regulate artisanal mining, and promote technology transfer to support the rapid development of the sector.

Highlighting investment incentives, Alake listed tax waivers on imported mining equipment, full repatriation of profits after meeting statutory obligations such as taxes and royalties, and other fiscal measures designed to create an investor-friendly climate.

In his remarks, Ambassador Salvaggio expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s acknowledgment of Canada’s historic role in the country’s democratic journey and commended the minister for recognizing Canada’s leadership in the global mining industry.

He observed that Nigeria remained Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, noting significant potential to expand bilateral trade across key sectors, particularly mining.

He also lauded the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, NSMC, describing it as a strategic initiative capable of boosting investor confidence and catalysing sectoral growth.

The Ambassador highlighted the strong ties between Canada and the Nigerian diaspora, adding that both nations were richly endowed with natural resources that could be optimally harnessed through strengthened cooperation.

“I am confident that Nigeria could become Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa within the next five to ten years, given its dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit, and commercial outlook. Nigeria is currently the sixth-largest recipient of Canadian development cooperation globally, which underscores the depth of our partnership,” he said.

Ambassador Salvaggio further emphasized the High Commission’s readiness to facilitate increased Canadian investment in Nigeria, urging the minister to revisit the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, FIPA, noting that its ratification would significantly enhance investor confidence and guarantee investment security.

He also conveyed Canada’s willingness to expand capacity-building initiatives, including replicating the 2025 training programme for Nigerian mining professionals at the University of Calgary, Alberta, alongside additional technical exchange programmes to deepen expertise in modern mining practices.

In response, the minister acknowledged that while the FIPA predated the current administration, the Federal Government was prepared to review and expedite its ratification process.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to attracting increased Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, as a pathway to economic growth and job creation for the nation’s teeming youth population.

Both countries agreed to establish a joint working group to identify priority areas of cooperation within the mining sector and develop actionable timelines to ensure tangible outcomes from the renewed bilateral engagement.

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The post Alake seeks partnership with Canada to deepen mining reforms appeared first on Frontpageng.

The team comprised of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, and local security operatives known as Anti-Drugs Control, ADC, in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company.

Alake made the vow in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja.

The Niger Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, said that the officer was killed at Zuzungi, Kataeregi, in Katcha local government.

Aniviye said that the incident occurred during a routine operation to curb illegal mining and prevent the unlawful smuggling of solid minerals from the mining site of Millennium Metals Mining Company.

He said that the team was attacked by armed illegal miners while intercepting suspected smugglers, killing an officer and setting an NSCDC Hilux vehicle ablaze

Responding to the incident, the minister said that relevant security and intelligence agencies had been placed on red alert to bring the perpetrators to justice saying those involved would be smoked out.

The minister said that those involved would be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.

“The illegal miners responsible for the murder of the gallant officer in active service will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Their arrest and prosecution will send the right signal that this administration maintains zero tolerance for all forms of illegal mining and will do everything possible to defend its agents from murder,” he said.

Alake, who set up the NSCDC Mining Marshals to enforce mining laws, said the officer’s murder and the arson of the agency’s vehicle would not deter the federal government’s determination to combat illegal mining.

“This will not deter the Federal Government from securing the sector to promote legal miners and mining communities,” he said.

He said that the strong investor’s interest in Nigeria at the ongoing Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town was a clear indication that the government needed to maintain confidence in the sector and confront violent actors.

Source: NAN

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The post Mining: Alake vows justice for police officer killed in Niger appeared first on Frontpageng.

AMSG aims to maximise the benefits for Africans from Africa’s vast mineral resources.

Alake was first elected in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, FMF, and later re-elected at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the group, which was held on the sidelines of the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

President Tinubu described Alake’s re-election as a clear vote of confidence in his visionary leadership, steadfast commitment, and strategic advocacy for Africa’s minerals sector.

The president noted that under Alake’s chairmanship, the AMSG had continued to provide a strong, united voice for African countries in advancing collaboration, safeguarding mineral resources, and positioning Africa as a key player in the global energy transition and the critical minerals value chain.

President Tinubu commended the minister for aligning the objectives of the AMSG with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the drive to unlock the nation’s vast solid minerals potential, attract sustainable investment, create jobs, and ensure that mineral wealth translated into tangible socio-economic benefits for Africans.

“I congratulate Dele Alake for sustaining the confidence and trust of his colleagues across Africa, who have renewed his leadership of their forum. His commitment and pan-African vision to ensure our continent derives the greatest benefits from our mineral resources are commendable. As Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, he had led a reform agenda that is transforming the sector into a major contributor to our national economy,” the president said.

The president assured Alake of the federal government’s continued support as he leads the AMSG to deepen cooperation among African nations, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote transparency, sustainability, and inclusiveness in the minerals sector.

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The post Tinubu congratulates Alake on re-election as AMSG chair appeared first on Frontpageng.

The group is a continental ministerial forum of African Ministers responsible for minerals and mining, committed to coordinated action aimed at maximising value addition and beneficiation from Africa’s vast mineral resources.

Alake was first unanimously elected as the pioneer chairman of the AMSG in 2024 on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, FMF.

He was re-elected at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the group, held on the sidelines of the same conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

As part of efforts to strengthen its institutional framework, the AMSG approved the creation of additional leadership positions, including Vice-Chairman, Deputy Secretary-General, and Financial Secretary.

The forum further resolved that the positions be equitably distributed across Africa’s sub-regions to promote inclusion and regional balance.

While the positions of chairman and vice-chairman are elective and reserved for serving ministers, other positions are appointed by member states to which they are zoned.

Under the new leadership structure, Nigeria’s Alake continues as chairman of the 24-member forum, representing West Africa.

The Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, Hon. Louis Watum Kabamba, was elected vice-chairman, representing Central Africa.

The position of Secretary-General remains with Uganda (East Africa), Mauritania was appointed Deputy Secretary-General (North Africa), while South Africa was zoned the position of Financial Secretary.

The AGM also ratified a two-year tenure for the newly elected executive committee and agreed that zoned positions belong to member countries, such that where a serving minister is replaced, the successor automatically assumes the role.

In his acceptance speech, Alake expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the renewed confidence reposed in him, stressing the urgent need for African nations to work collaboratively to unlock the continent’s economic potentials through solid minerals development.

He called on member states to agree on minimum financial contributions and to refine the group’s budgeting framework to strengthen its operational effectiveness.

“Once member states contribute, accountability will naturally follow. This will enhance transparency and strengthen the credibility of the AMSG before the global community,” the minister stated.

The AGM further resolved to hold quarterly ministerial meetings and ratified the establishment of standing committees, including Legal, Institutional Affairs & Human Resources; Sustainability and Responsible Mining; Finance, Budget & Resource Mobilisation, among others.

It was also agreed that steps be taken towards hosting a global minerals conference in Africa, similar to the FMF.

Speaking earlier at a Leadership Roundtable themed “Africa: Unlocking Infrastructure Funding for Copper-Belt Production”—held on the sidelines of the FMF and attended by African Ministers of Minerals, development partners and private-sector stakeholders— Alake emphasized that mineral production alone could not deliver lasting economic transformation without reliable infrastructure, coordinated policies and deliberate value-addition strategies.

He cited the Lobito Corridor as a model of what was achievable when rail, ports, energy systems and policy alignment worked in synergy.

He posited that similar opportunities existed across the continent including the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor linking Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; the Walvis Bay Corridor connecting Southern Africa’s mining regions to global markets; the Dar es Salaam and Central Corridors serving East and Central Africa amongst others.

According to the minister: “The real question is not whether Africa has corridors, but whether these corridors are being financed, governed and structured to support industrial growth, regional integration and long-term stability. What matters is how financing is designed to reduce risk, attract private capital and sustain commercial viability while advancing national and regional development objectives.”

Alake emphasised that unlocking capital at scale required addressing issues such as bankable and enforceable offtake arrangements; predictable and harmonised cross-border regulatory frameworks; alignment of rail, port, power and industrial planning; and clear pathways for processing, smelting, logistics services and industrial clusters along these corridors.

He added that the broader vision of the AMSG is to ensure that Africa’s mineral infrastructure is strategically designed, responsibly financed and efficiently managed in a rapidly evolving global environment—not to discourage investment, but to ensure it aligns with long-term stability, transparency and shared economic prosperity.

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Alake made this assertion at a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum, FMF, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to Alake, Nigeria’s value-addition policy is already yielding tangible results, with a gold refining plant of very high purity now operational in Lagos, three additional gold refineries at various stages of development, and a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State ready for commissioning.

He commended Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in expanding opportunities for collaboration among governments across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through the Future Minerals Forum, stressing that Nigeria is eager to deepen its partnership with the Kingdom by leveraging on areas of comparative advantage in solid minerals development.

“There are areas of comparative advantage where Saudi Arabia excels and others where Nigeria has strengths. We are keen on structuring agreements that will enable us engage meaningfully and constructively. Priority areas include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer, and particularly exploration, where Saudi Arabia has demonstrated some expertise,” Alake stated.

He further noted that Nigeria’s vast landmass is endowed with abundant critical minerals and rare earth elements required by the global economy, underscoring the importance of leveraging the FMF platform to fine-tune actionable partnerships based on fairness  equity and mutual benefit.

Recalling engagements following the FMF 2025, Alake revealed that a joint working group comprising the Nigerian delegation and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce has been active over the past year, adding that its report was ready and would be presented before the close of the current forum.

The Minister also highlighted mineral traceability, Environmental, Social and Governance standards, ESG,and mine-pit remediation as priority areas requiring collaboration.

He emphasized that mineral traceability boosts investor confidence and should form a core component of any partnership, alongside clear implementation timelines and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

In his remarks, Minister Al-Khorayef reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a longstanding ally of Saudi Arabia and agreed on the need for a practical and actionable agreement on solid minerals development.

He proposed that the working group develop a draft MOU based on previous engagements for possible signing on the sidelines of the conference.

He also urged Nigeria to leverage the FMF platform to showcase investment opportunities in its mining sector to Saudi investors, while encouraging African countries to adopt advanced technologies in mining development, noting that Nigeria could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s progress in this area.

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Both agencies said that the accident occurred at 8.35 p.m. on Tuesday in Lagos.

The LASWA Head of Public Affairs Unit, Mrs Wuraola Alake, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Alake said that the boat mishap happened on the Nigerdock axis of the Igbologun water channel.

According to the authorities, the boat was from Ilashe Beach House at the time of the incident.

Alake said that upon receiving a distress alert, both agencies activated their search and rescue teams, which responded promptly and worked in close collaboration with the Marine Police and other first responders.

“As at the time of this report, four passengers have been successfully rescued and transported to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.

“Sadly, six other passengers were recovered dead at the scene.

“Search and rescue operations remain ongoing to account for all persons involved,” she said.

She said that preliminary findings indicated that the incident might have been caused by collision of the boat with a submerged object.

She, however, said that further investigations were ongoing to fully ascertain the cause of the mishap.

“LASWA and NIWA wish to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted and updates will be communicated as more information becomes available.

“LASWA and NIWA extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and assure the public of  continued commitment to ensuring safety on Lagos inland waterways.

“The authorities also reiterate the importance of adherence to all safety regulations, including proper navigation practices and compliance with ‘No Night Travel’ rule,” she said.

She advised members of the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from LASWA, NIWA and other official sources.

Source: NAN

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Yes, I agree with our decent Kabiyesi, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. The advocates of more recognition to SODEKE the founder of Abeokuta, particularly some Sodeke’s descendants shouldn’t start their good advocacy which I personally support, with anything to undermine the historic indelible contributions of the Great Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, the liberator and Baba Egba.

Such a campaign shouldn’t be antagonistic in whatever form to the current mood, honour and annual celebration Lisabi deserved. It should be complementary and complimentary with a major focus to ignite the consciousness of the Egbas to the remarkable and unforgettable historic role of Sodeke.

It’s uncharitable for anyone to claim that without SODEKE there won’t be Olumo Rock. It can also be said that without Lisabi who mobilised the Egbas against Alaafin Oyo war bandits, there wouldn’t have been a SODEKE to lead a liberated Egbas after many years to Olumo Rock settlement as directed by Ifa Olokun divination. Asking for Lisabi’s family house in Abeokuta, and claiming that Igbo Lisabi (Lisabi fortress) where Egbas visit annually to honour Lisabi  is a farce because Lisabi never stepped into the present Egbaland, not to talk of “entering the soil” there, is irrelevant to the campaign for more recognition to SODEKE.

Many historical monuments worldwide are symbolic. The current Israel is not the original Israel. The current Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Judea are not the biblical ones, yet millions of Christians do kurukere kurukere pilgrimage annually to the places for symbolism. Same with the Kabba in Mecca not in its original form, yet millions of Muslims embark on annual kurukere kurukere pilgrimage. Birikisu Sugbon shrine at Oke Eri near Ijebu ode where they claimed that Birikisu Sugbon was Queen of Sheba and died, is still debatable. Same with Opa Oranminyan in Ile Ife not the old one in its forms.

How many kings in Yorubaland can beat their chests that the crowns on their heads are the real original traditional crowns (Ade Isembaye) of their ancestors after the British colonial bandits had stolen many original crowns. Most religious or historical places, monuments, names are mere symbolism, a link to our history, tradition and culture.

Kabiyesi!!! Despite all these unnecessary distractions on the campaign for more recognition for SODEKE, His Highness, Kabiyesi, Alake of Egbaland should please find a space in his royal heart to accommodate the advocacy for more recognition to SODEKE and make it possible.  It will be remarkable and unforgettable achievement that during your reign, Sodeke gets his right of place in the history and development of Egbaland. Kabiyesi!!!.

*Pa Soetan (08037207856)

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