At the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, delivered a powerful call to action, urging Africa to seize the helm of the global energy transition.
Speaking to a diverse audience of policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates, Alake positioned Nigeria as a trailblazer in the continent’s mining renaissance, spotlighting the country’s remarkable ₦6.96 billion in mining license fees generated in Q1 2025.
His remarks, infused with optimism and urgency, underscored Africa’s potential to transform its mineral wealth into a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable growth while redefining its role in the clean energy ecosystem.
Nigeria’s mining sector is undergoing a profound transformation, and the numbers tell a compelling story. In the first quarter of 2025, the federal government amassed ₦6.96 billion in revenue from mining-related fees, a milestone driven by the processing of 955 applications for various mining titles.
These include 651 exploration licenses, 270 small-scale mining leases, 49 quarry leases, and 24 reconnaissance permits, with 867 applications approved. This financial haul, reported by outlets like Nairametrics and Voice of Nigeria, reflects not only heightened investor interest but also the efficacy of Nigeria’s strategic reforms under Alake’s leadership.
Beyond revenue, Nigeria is formalizing its artisanal mining landscape, a sector long plagued by informality and environmental concerns. Over 1,200 artisanal cooperatives were registered in Q1 2025, a move that integrates small-scale miners into the formal economy, enhances traceability, and promotes safer, more sustainable practices.
We’re not just chasing revenue; we’re building a sector that works for everyone—from local communities to global investors,” Alake emphasized at the OECD Forum, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to equitable growth.
Alake’s vision for Nigeria—and Africa at large—transcends traditional extractive models. At the OECD Forum, he championed a paradigm shift: moving Africa from a supplier of raw materials to a powerhouse of value-added production.
Nigeria is already walking the talk. Since 2023, the ministry has mandated that new mining licenses include plans for local processing of minerals like lithium, gold, and bauxite. This policy, set to bear fruit with the commissioning of new refining plants in Q2 2025, aims to maximize economic benefits, create jobs, and reduce reliance on exporting unprocessed ores.
As the pioneer chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), Alake is spearheading a continent-wide effort to harness Africa’s mineral wealth for long-term prosperity.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Alake’s OECD address was more than a progress report—it was a clarion call for Africa to lead with ambition and responsibility. By showcasing Nigeria’s achievements—₦6.96 billion in revenue, formalized cooperatives, and a sustainability-driven approach—he offered a blueprint for the continent.
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