Minister of solid minerals development Dele Alake says he has increased his personal security following death threats he received from individuals whose mining licences were revoked.
Mr Alake made this known in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Segun Tomori.
He said the threats came after the ministry’s decision to enforce regulations and implement reforms in the mining sector.
“I have had to triple my personal security following threats received from some of those whose licences were revoked, but I am undaunted. Our confidence is hinged on the fact that we are waging the battle based on principle, for the sake of our country,” the minister said.
Alake said the government would continue to enforce mining regulations to ensure compliance, warning that offenders would face sanctions.
He stated that the ministry’s actions were part of efforts to sanitise the sector and create a fair environment for legitimate operators.
According to him, data from the National Bureau of Statistics for the second quarter of 2025 showed that the mining sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product rose from less than 0.5 percent to 1.8 percent.
Alake attributed the increase to improved regulation and monitoring of mining activities across the country.
