While solid minerals fall under the exclusive purview of the federal government, Dr. Dele Alake has prioritized collaboration with sub-national entities since taking office. This approach aims to resolve friction between the federal and state governments, fostering mutual understanding necessary for advancing the nation’s mining sector.
In addition to engaging with individual governors, the minister, earlier in the year, convened a meeting with governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). 33 Governors attended the meeting with 32 attending in person and one virtually. This candid session allowed Dr. Alake to articulate his vision for the sector, encapsulated in a 7-point agenda aimed at creating a more competitive and sustainable mining environment.
Dr. Alake emphasized the importance of partnership with the governors, noting that this dialogue reflects the federal government’s commitment to incorporating sub- national input in its efforts to reform the sector. He reiterated his dedication to cooperative federalism as a means to address potential conflicts in mining administration, asserting that, despite mining being under the exclusive legislative list, both levels of government can collaborate effectively.
Without mincing words, Dr. Alake asserted that states are bound by the constitution to seek approval from the federal government before making policy pronouncements on mining activities in their states.
“Our actions, both at the federal and state levels, should align with the constitution and be conducted procedurally, so we do not appear at odds with one another. To remove contentious issues, we announced that states are free to apply for mining licenses, positioning them as critical stakeholders in the industry. This initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging among sub-nationals and ensure their cooperation in optimizing the mining sector for the benefit of citizens and the country”, he added.
Several states have responded to the minister’s call for active participation, applying to operate as Limited Liability Companies. The minister noted, “I have approved licenses for states that submitted applications, without hesitation, as part of our policy to support the engagement of federating units. This is a step towards ensuring they benefit from our natural resources.”
Under Dr. Alake’s stewardship, states have been encouraged to leverage the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to play significant roles in local mining operations.
Source: ALAKE ON RESCUE MISSION, a publication of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, MoSMD.
