Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi has thrown his weight behind the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for his firm policy that mining licenses will only be issued to investors who commit to adding value to minerals within Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oluwadarasimi praised Minister Alake’s declaration, made during the Kenya Mining Investment Conference, that the Federal Government will no longer grant licenses to companies that simply extract and export raw minerals without establishing local processing facilities.

He described the policy as “a bold and necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s economy and ending decades of dependence on raw material exports.”

Oluwadarasimi, a strong advocate of the principle that “African minerals must create African wealth,” stressed that local beneficiation and processing of minerals is essential for the sector’s growth.

“Value addition is non-negotiable if we are serious about industrialization,” he stated. “Processing our minerals locally will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance technology transfer, boost small and medium-scale industries, and significantly increase national revenue through higher-value exports.”

He noted that Nigeria has been losing billions of naira annually by exporting unprocessed minerals such as lithium, gold, and barite, only to import finished products made from the same resources.

“This policy breaks that cycle,” Oluwadarasimi added.

The advocate further emphasised that the new policy will encourage responsible investment, promote sustainable mining practices, and position Nigeria as a serious player in the global minerals value chain.

He called on all stakeholders — foreign investors, local operators, financial institutions, and host communities — to align with the government’s vision by prioritising local value addition and skills development.

“Compliance is not just regulatory; it is patriotic and profitable,” he said. “Investors who process locally will find a ready market, government incentives, and a more stable operating environment.”

Oluwadarasimi expressed optimism that Minister Alake’s leadership will usher in a new era for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“The era of ‘dig and ship’ must end. With Minister Alake’s leadership, we are seeing the political will to ensure Nigeria’s mineral wealth finally works for Nigerians,” he said.