The individual asserted that the current administration is redirecting its focus away from hydrocarbon resources.
Alake revealed this information in Abuja during a visit by the Association of Licensed Small-Scale Miners, headed by its President, Dr. Olugbenga Ajala, as a gesture of respect to the Ministry's Headquarters.
According to the Head of Press, Mr. Alaba Balogun, the minister has said that the Ministry has implemented various intentional policies and programs aimed at attaining predetermined goals for economic advancement, as indicated in the plan.
The author observed that the development of the Solid Minerals Corporation and the promotion of public-private initiatives are essential for achieving these aims. Furthermore, the implementation of this initiative will result in the promotion of sustainability and a notable rise in government revenue, so making a substantial contribution to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Ministry is dedicated to the establishment of a multi-agency task force with the objective of halting the operations of unlawful miners and their associates.
The government intends to take decisive action against these unethical foreign operators who are supporting banditry in order to engage in illegal mining. I would want to utilize this platform to make an appeal, urging these sponsors to cease their activities or else they would be subjected to the complete enforcement of legal consequences.
The Minister reiterated that the government has granted a 30-day grace period to illegal miners, emphasizing that this action is not intended as a punitive measure, but rather as a means to facilitate their formalization and legitimize their ongoing activities.
Furthermore, he contended that the objective is to optimize the efficiency and organization of Small Scale Artisanal Miners in order to maximize their output for the benefit of the Federal Government.
During his address, Dr. Olugbenga Ajala, the President of the Association of Licensed Small Scale Miners, expressed that the purpose of the visit is to commemorate the appointment of Dr. Oladele Alake as the Minister for Solid Minerals Development and to present him with suggestions that will foster the growth of the sector for the socio-economic advancement of the nation.