Transparency Will Drive Mining Sector Reforms, Says Alake After Receiving ARCON Fellowship

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said transparent communication remains critical to achieving sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Alake stated this on Friday, July 17, while reacting to his conferment with the Fellowship of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

In a statement shared via his X handle, the minister said the recognition was a reflection of his years of commitment to journalism, public communication and national service.

“I started my career in the newsroom, and clear, honest communication has always been my anchor so it was an honour to receive the Fellowship of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON),” Alake said.

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He described the award as a recognition that extends beyond his personal achievements, noting that effective communication plays a major role in the success of public policies.

“This recognition means a lot to me because it reflects a lifelong commitment to journalism, public communication and service to our country,” he said.

“While it is incredibly humbling to be recognized by my peers for my years in journalism and public service, this award represents something much larger than me.”

According to the minister, policies can only deliver results when citizens and stakeholders understand their objectives and processes.

“It is a reminder that policy only works when people actually understand it,” Alake added.

Speaking on ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector, the minister said the government was addressing challenges including illegal mining, local processing of minerals and improving investor confidence.

“In our push to reform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, we are tackling some tough challenges. We are stamping out illegal mining operations, ensuring minerals are processed locally to create jobs, rather than just shipped out raw and building the kind of regulatory trust that attracts serious, long-term investors,” he said.

Alake stressed that achieving these goals requires openness and accountability, adding that collaboration with communities and investors depends on trust.

“None of this can happen in a vacuum. If we want people, communities, and investors to partner with us, we have to communicate with absolute transparency and accountability,” he said.

The minister also appreciated the ARCON leadership for the recognition, particularly its President, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, describing the award as an encouragement to continue efforts toward reforming the sector.

“My sincere thanks to Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo and the entire ARCON council for this honor. It is a welcome validation of our work, and a reminder to keep talking and building,” Alake said.