Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that he has received multiple threats following the revocation of 1,263 mining licences belonging to operators who failed to pay their annual service fees.

The federal government, on September 21, announced the mass revocation and directed the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) to remove the affected licences from its electronic portal.

Speaking on the backlash that followed, Alake disclosed that some revoked operators have resorted to threatening international arbitration in an attempt to reverse the decision.

Despite the pressure, the minister maintained his stance, insisting that the action was in line with due process and regulatory compliance.

“I have received threats, but I will not be deterred. The law must be respected, and the era of impunity in the solid minerals sector is over,” Alake affirmed.

The minister added that the government remains committed to sanitising the mining sector, attracting genuine investors, and ensuring transparency in mineral resource management.

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