Nigeria: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to take a leading role in initiating reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s national mindset—an effort he described as crucial to effective nation-building and long-term development.
Speaking while receiving participants of NIPSS Senior Executive Course 47 (2025) in his office, Dr. Alake praised the institute as the country’s premier policy advisory body. He challenged it to drive a fundamental shift in the national psyche to enhance policy implementation, accountability, and strategic governance.
“Over the years, we’ve formulated various development plans, but consistent implementation remains elusive,” the minister stated. “NIPSS was created as a policy think tank for government, but perhaps the disconnect lies in how its insights are received or communicated for actionable use.”
Dr. Alake also highlighted the historical underdevelopment of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, attributing it to years of neglect that enabled illegal activities to flourish. He emphasized that the Tinubu administration is actively addressing the issue through institutional reforms and enforcement mechanisms.
Among the achievements under President Tinubu’s leadership, the minister noted the deployment of mining marshals who have apprehended over 300 illegal miners, commenced prosecution of about 150—including foreign nationals—and secured nine convictions, while reclaiming 98 illegal mining sites within a year.
He further outlined the ministry’s non-coercive strategy in integrating informal miners into the formal economy. Through the creation of over 250 registered cooperatives, the ministry has enhanced oversight, boosted royalties, and encouraged compliance among artisanal operators.
Reiterating the need for psychological and institutional reform, Dr. Alake said, “If the national attitude is flawed, every policy will falter. The President’s ongoing reforms are designed to stop systemic leakages and lay the foundation for enduring national prosperity.”
Responding on behalf of the visiting delegation, Mr. David Aloh expressed appreciation for the ministry’s transparency and the depth of engagement. He described the session as enlightening and critical to the course’s understanding of the sector’s alignment with Nigeria’s green economy agenda.
“On behalf of the Director-General of NIPSS and the participants of Course 47, we thank you for the valuable insights. This engagement will significantly support our contributions toward the realization of Mr. President’s development mandate,” Aloh remarked.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 1, 2025
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