The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said Nigeria is already showing signs of further economic development, as the Federal Government generated nearly ₦7 billion in mining license fees in the first quarter of the year.

He gave the update while speaking at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Forum in Paris, France.

A statement posted on his official X platform quoted the minister as explaining that the global energy transition needs bold, responsible action, and that Africa must lead the process.

Alake also said the country formalised more than 1,200 artisanal cooperatives, and approved hundreds of licenses, all while pushing for sustainability, value addition, and investor confidence.

‘Nigeria is already showing what’s possible. In Q1 2025, we generated nearly ₦7 billion in mining license fees, formalised 1,200+ artisanal cooperatives, and approved hundreds of licenses, all while pushing for sustainability, value addition, and investor confidence.

“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, I’m proud to work with leaders across the continent to unlock inclusive, long-term growth from our rich mineral resources. It’s time for Africa to move from exporting raw materials to owning the future of clean energy,” the statement said.

Alake also highlighted Africa’s strategic importance in the global energy transition, noting the continent’s growing share in the global supply of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and tantalum.
The minister called for a paradigm shift from Africa, from being mere exporters of raw materials to becoming leaders in value-added processing and high-value mineral supply chains.

“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), I work closely with my counterparts across the continent to advance a shared agenda of value addition, resource mobilisation, and responsible development,” he affirmed.
“Our focus is clear-unlocking inclusive growth from Africa’s vast mineral wealth,” the minister explained.

Reiterating the need for cooperation, Alake stressed that building resilient, transparent, and ethical mineral supply chains requires multi-stakeholder collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.

“Nigeria is ready to work with global partners to promote responsible sourcing, encourage beneficiation, and deliver long-term economic value,” he stressed.
With the emergence of the global energy transition, Alake argued that there has never been a more critical moment for decisive leadership.

“The future of electricity, transportation, telecommunications, and indeed global prosperity depends on the work we do here. Let us embrace this opportunity, not just to discuss change, but to drive it,” he said.
Alake underscored the importance of global partnerships in building a resilient and sustainable mining sector, highlighting the critical role of mining in the global shift toward greener energy.