The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has vowed that the Federal Government will not be intimidated by blackmail or media smear campaigns in its determined effort to sanitize Nigeria’s mining sector and tackle insecurity tied to illegal operations.
Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ forum, Alake described the most pressing issues confronting the mining industry as external, not administrative, pointing fingers at entrenched interests profiting from illicit activities.
“The challenges that I’ve seen are not administrative. They are external,” the minister stated.
“In terms of security, the progress we’ve made in tackling illegal mining and related criminality is meeting strong resistance from those who benefit from these illegalities.”
Alake revealed that elements opposed to the reforms have intensified attempts to discredit the newly launched mine marshal initiative a special security task force aimed at restoring order to the sector. Despite growing attacks, he insisted that the marshals are recording notable results on the ground.
He recounted instances where allegations of bribery were made against the marshals, but said none of the accusers have provided any proof.
“Some individuals even claimed the leader of the mine marshals demanded bribes from them,” Alake said.
“When I asked for evidence, one person promised to bring it the next day. That was six months ago I’m still waiting.”
He also disclosed that the smear campaign has extended to the media, with one television outlet publishing false claims about the marshal commander. Legal action was taken, he noted, prompting a swift retraction.
“One day, the commander came to me and said a media house was blackmailing him. I asked, ‘Did you do what they accused you of?’ He said no.
I told him to get a lawyer and sue. Forty-eight hours later, the station issued a public apology. They had been paid to run the story.”
Alake condemned what he called the decline of journalistic standards, citing a lack of balanced reporting and a tendency toward sensationalism driven by vested interests.
Despite the attacks, the minister said the government remains resolute. Backed by President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to accountability, he stressed that no intimidation would derail the reform agenda.
“Our hands are on the plough, and there’s no looking back. I won’t remove anyone from the mine marshals without concrete evidence of wrongdoing,” he declared.
“I don’t bow to blackmail. No amount of inducement can influence me. We are facing these challenges head-on.”
Alake reaffirmed that the ministry is committed to overhauling the sector, ensuring that Nigeria’s vast mineral resources are managed responsibly and for the benefit of all.
