The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, established In 2023 as part of the Ministry of Mines, and Steel Development In Nigeria is responsible for overseeing the development of the country’s mineral resources.
This includes exploring new minerals, promoting mining activities, and ensuring that mining operations are carried out safely and sustainably.
The ministry also works to attract investment in the mining sector and guarantee that the country benefits from its mineral wealth.
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List Of Ministers Of Solid Minerals Developments In Nigeria
No | Name | Term | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Henry Dele Alake | 2023 - Present | APC |
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Agencies Under The Ministry Of Solid Minerals Development In Nigeria
- Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO)
- Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA)
- Mines Inspectorate Department
- Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Development Department
- Mines Environmental Compliance Department
- National Mineral Resources Development Council (NMRC)
- Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF)
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Who Is The New Minister Of Solid Minerals Development In Nigeria?
Henry Dele Alake is the new Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria. He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and assumed office on August 21, 2023.
Born on October 6, 1956, Dele Alake has had a long career in journalism, activism, and politics. He is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and has worked closely with President Bola Tinubu for many years.
His political career started long before his current appointment, with roots in Nigeria’s media and political space. Alake’s early education began at Surulere Baptist Primary School in Lagos.
He continued his studies at Christ’s School in Ado Ekiti, and he earned the West African School Certificate. Afterward, he attended Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, where he pursued his Higher School Certificate.
In 1978, Alake graduated from the University of Lagos with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and later, he obtained a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from the same institution in 1981.
Alake’s career began in journalism. He first worked with the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program.
Then, he joined the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation and became involved in both radio and television broadcasting. Later, he contributed to the founding of Lagos Television (LTV 8).
In 1985, Alake moved from broadcast journalism to print media, joining the Concord Group of Newspapers. He worked as a columnist and editor for the National Concord and Sunday Concord. By 1995, he had become the editor of National Concord, a position he held until 1999.
His role in the press was instrumental during the turbulent political times in Nigeria, especially during the 1993 presidential election that was annulled by the military government.
Politically, Alake’s career was tied to his work with Chief Moshood Abiola, the presidential candidate of the controversial 1993 elections.
As Abiola’s Information Adviser, Alake became involved in the campaign, advocating for the democratic process in Nigeria.
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After the election’s annulment and the rise of General Sani Abacha’s regime, Alake went into exile, and he joined forces with other pro-democracy activists. After returning from exile, Alake became a key figure in Lagos State politics.
In 1999, when Bola Tinubu became the Governor of Lagos State, Alake was appointed as the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, serving from 1999 to 2007.
In his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake is responsible for managing Nigeria’s vast mineral resources.
As a trusted ally of President Tinubu, Alake is expected to lead important initiatives that will improve the mining industry and attract investment to this sector.