Jun 10, 2026

Alake, Oduwole Forge Alliance to Add Value, Create Jobs in Mining

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, June 10, 2026 — In a promising display of interministerial collaboration, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, hosted his counterpart, the minister of industry, Trade and investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development headquarters in Abuja today.

The two leaders engaged in productive discussions on how their ministries can partner to drive value addition in Nigeria’s rich solid minerals sector, boost industrial growth, and generate much-needed employment opportunities for Nigerians.

A warm photograph capturing the moment shows both ministers smiling confidently as they shake hands, symbolizing shared commitment and optimism.

Alake, dressed in a striking blue agbada and traditional cap, and Oduwole, elegant in a patterned jacket, projected unity of purpose in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.

Strategic Partnership for Industrial Growth

Speaking after the meeting, Alake reaffirmed his dedication to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources through strategic partnerships.

“We discussed how our ministries can work together to drive value addition, support industrial growth and create more jobs through Nigeria’s solid minerals sector,” he stated.

This engagement is part of broader efforts to move Nigeria beyond raw mineral extraction toward local processing and manufacturing.

By integrating solid minerals development with industrial and trade policies, the government aims to create downstream industries, attract investments, and reduce reliance on imports while generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Human Impact and Economic Context

For many Nigerians, especially in mining communities across the country, the promise of value addition is more than policy speak—it’s about transforming lives.

Families in resource-rich but underdeveloped areas could see new factories, skills development programmes, and stable incomes if these collaborations deliver results. It also aligns with national goals to diversify the economy away from oil dependence.

Dr. Oduwole’s visit underscores the Tinubu administration’s “whole-of-government” approach, where different ministries align their mandates to tackle unemployment, boost non-oil exports, and build a more resilient economy.

Alake, who has consistently championed reforms in the solid minerals sector, remains focused on responsible mining, attracting credible investors, and ensuring that Nigeria’s vast deposits of lithium, tin, coltan, gold, and other minerals contribute meaningfully to national development.

This meeting sends a clear signal to stakeholders: the government is serious about turning mineral wealth into tangible industrial progress and job opportunities for the youth and local communities.

The partnership is expected to yield concrete outcomes in the coming months, with further engagements planned to translate discussions into actionable frameworks.