African Countries Must Take Control Of Their Mineral Resources – Alake

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has called on African countries to take control of the natural resources in their countries.

Dele Alake said the shift to renewable energy and its value chains has made it necessary for African countries must seize control of natural resources from exploration to processing from foreigners.

Alake said this while speaking at African Natural Resources & Energy Investment Summit, 2024, held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday.

“It is important for member countries to assert sovereignty over their mineral resources.

“The opportunity presented by the ongoing global transition to green energy urges nations to leverage this shift to optimize the utilization of our mineral wealth and reap its full benefits,” he said.

The Minister of Solid Minerals said African countries would grow their economies and contribute significantly to the advancement of clean energy technologies and environmental conservation efforts if they take control of their natural resources.

He added, “By seizing control of our mineral resources and aligning their extraction and utilization with the principles of sustainable development, we can not only drive economic growth but also contribute significantly to the advancement of clean energy technologies and environmental conservation efforts.”

Alake said that Nigeria was committed to transforming the country’s solid mineral sector into cornerstone of the federal government’s economic diversification.

“We are committed to transforming Nigeria’s solid mineral sector into a cornerstone for our nation’s economic diversification,” he said