Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has strengthened his security following death threats reportedly sent to him after his ministry revoked hundreds of inactive mining licences.
Alake disclosed this on Friday, October 10, while addressing journalists ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.
He said the threats came from individuals and firms affected by the government’s renewed crackdown on non-compliant operators in the sector.
“I have received direct death threats through text messages from some of those whose licences were revoked. Because of that, I’ve had to increase my personal security,” he said.
The minister explained that the ministry’s decision to withdraw licences was based on clear violations, including failure to pay required service fees and disregard for operational guidelines.
“According to him, some aggrieved licence holders have since resorted to intimidation, smear campaigns, and sponsored attacks to frustrate the reform process.
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“They have tried to blackmail us and spread misinformation to force a reversal. But they picked the wrong target.
“I am not someone who bows to pressure,” Alake stated, adding that he had faced worse challenges in his political career.
The minister also said the government would not tolerate impunity in the solid minerals industry, noting that many operators had held licences for years without any genuine exploration or development effort.
Over 3,700 titles, including 1,263 mining licences, have so far been revoked, as the government moves to sanitise the sector and attract credible investors.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive limiting the number of security personnel and vehicles for ministers, Alake maintained that his decision to increase personal protection was necessary in light of the threats.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the full enforcement of mining regulations to restore investor confidence and ensure national resources are properly managed.