Staff of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development have been advised to be technology compliant within seven days or prepare to leave.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, gave the advice at the 2025 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja,
Dr. Alake stressed that the Ministry cannot afford to carry along officers who refuse to embrace the digital tools needed to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for global competitiveness.
“I am giving everyone here one week to become technology-compliant or be shown the door. “The era of business as usual is over. We must match our words with measurable results,” he emphasized.
He urged all departments, agencies, and development partners to break down silos, deepen collaboration and work together to de-risk mining investments, formalise the artisanal mining sector, and ensure host communities benefit directly from Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
“I urge all Departments, Agencies, and Directorates present to seize this retreat as an opportunity to build synergy across our ecosystem,” Alake stated.
The Minister noted that transforming the solid minerals sector is about more than increasing revenue.
“Improving life opportunities for Nigerians through this sector goes beyond just boosting revenue,” he emphasized.
“It means strengthening institutions, building capacity, prioritizing safety, protecting the environment, empowering women and youth, and ensuring equitable participation in the mining economy” the Minister added.
Dr. Alake charged the Ministry’s workforce to translate policies into action that directly improves the lives of Nigerians from safer, formalised mining communities to expanded investment, job creation, and infrastructure that can compete globally.
“Our Presidential Performance Bond is a solemn commitment to Nigerians. “We owe it to our people to build a sector that is accountable, efficient, transparent, and inclusive. Let us translate our policies into practice, our plans into action, and our actions into enduring legacies” he stressed.
Dr. Alake told the stakeholders that the ultimate measure of success is not rhetoric but the tangible transformation felt by every Nigerian.
