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Tinubu Reads Riot Act, Promises To Sanitize Mining Sector

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2023

By Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned private companies and public servants cutting corners in the solid minerals sector that to stop or face the wrath of the law.

Addressing participants at the 2nd edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) in Abuja yesterday, the president disclosed that while the government welcomes genuine investors who share the administration’s vision, it would punish economic saboteurs hindering ease of doing business and efforts to enable the sector support the transformation of the economy.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Towards a Just Transition”, President Bola Tinibu emphasized the essence of mobilizing the country’s natural resources for the development of the people.

Represented by the Secretary to the Federal government, Dr. George Akume, the president revealed that

Dr. Oladele Alake was appointed Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitize the sector assuring that the Federal Executive Council adopted his seven-point agenda to turn around the industry.

President Tinubu also encouraged the governors to forge a common front with the Federal Government to increase the contribution of mining to the economy advising governors to resist the temptation to interfere in legitimate businesses of licensed operators.

Welcoming the President, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr.Oladele Alake thanked the president for the robust support of the ministry, assuring that the ministry shall execute its mandate efficiently.

He emphasized the relevance of the event to the administration’s resolve to diversify the nation’s energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures.

” At the heart of this summit, we find the idea of a “Just Transition. ” This concept calls for us to ensure that as we shift towards more sustainable practices in natural resource development and energy production, no one is left behind. The just transition is about recognizing the needs of our workforce, communities, and economies that have long depended on traditional energy sources to establish and consolidate the forces of fostering inclusivity, providing alternatives, and equitably distributing the benefits of this transformation”.

“The just transition demands that we address the social and economic challenges that may arise from shifting away from traditional energy sources. We must invest in workforce re-training, creating alternative employment opportunities, and supporting impacted communities. Africa must adopt policies that provide a safety net for those who might be negatively affected by this transition.” Dr. Alake stated.

Noting the development of a policy framework for effective and efficient management of identified transition minerals, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government recognises the global shift towards sustainable, environmentally friendly technologies hence its resolve for responsible management of critical minerals towards cleaner energy systems, reduction of carbon emissions and global fight against climate change.

Dignitaries that graced the opening of the 2nd edition of AFNIS include representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, SGF, Sen. George Akume; Chief host, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Audu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Solid Minerals Development & Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Chairman of Mosra Energy, Olukayode Ramos and a host of others.

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AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs

Published

7 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

By James Samuel, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.

This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.

“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.

“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”

He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.

“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.

He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.

“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.

She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.

“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.

The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.

The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.

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