Africa must move beyond rhetoric, foster global alliance for energy transition – Minister Alake

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has called for stronger international collaboration to ensure a sustainable and inclusive global energy transition, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.

Speaking at the high-level Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, Forum in Paris, Dr Alake emphasized the pivotal role of mineral-rich countries like Nigeria in driving the transition to greener energy sources that will power the future of electricity, transportation, and digital infrastructure.

“The future of global prosperity depends on the work we do here,” he said.

“This is not just a moment to discuss change it is time to drive it.”

Alake also underscored that mining must be reimagined through the lens of sustainability prioritizing smarter site selection, efficient operations, waste reduction and environmental protection, not only as a policy goal but as an obligation to future generations.

Showcasing Nigeria’s reform efforts, the Minister announced that the country generated N6.96 billion in mining license fees in Q1 2025 alone. Additionally, over 1,200 artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives have been formalized, with 118 private mineral buying centers registered, and nearly 1,000 mining title applications processed by the Mining Cadastral Office hundreds of which have already been approved.

To attract global investors, Dr Alake pointed to Nigeria’s comprehensive incentives, including import duty waivers, accelerated capital allowances, and tax holidays, backed by policies that encourage sustainable extraction, domestic mineral processing, and improved infrastructure connectivity.

Highlighting Africa’s increasing importance in supplying critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and tantalum, Dr Alake urged the continent to shift from being raw material exporters to becoming leaders in value-added processing and high-value supply chains.

“As Chair of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, AMSG, I collaborate with my counterparts to advance a shared vision of resource-based industrialization and inclusive growth,” he said.

Alake reiterated that building resilient and transparent mineral supply chains requires strong partnerships across governments, private sector actors, civil society, and local communities. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with international stakeholders to promote responsible sourcing, ethical practices, and long-term economic value.

“Nigeria is committed to working with global partners to ensure that the energy transition is not only sustainable but also equitable,” he concluded.

Africa must move beyond rhetoric, foster global alliance for energy transition – Minister Alake