Nigeria’s solid minerals division produced over N101 billion in income between January and September 2026, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated. This figure marks a steep climb from the N6 billion generated in 2023. Alake presented these figures on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of the All Progressives Congress manifesto for the 2027–2031 term. He credited the financial growth to policy shifts enacted by President Bola Tinubu’s government. The minister noted that earnings had risen to N38 billion in 2024 and N70 billion in 2025 before reaching the current nine-month total. He added that data from the Central Bank of Nigeria confirmed this upward trend. "Mr Alake attributed the improvement to the reforms," Premium Times reported, highlighting the administration's role in the sector's turnaround.
Alake defended controversial economic measures, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. He argued that President Tinubu prioritized the country's long-term stability over short-term political gains before the 2027 elections. The minister claimed that no civilian leadership since 1960 has executed structural changes of this magnitude. He asserted that the new manifesto will extend these benefits to healthcare, agriculture, and industrialization, aiming to improve daily life for citizens. The government views mining as a vital alternative to crude oil exports. Nigeria holds deposits of lithium, gold, iron ore, limestone, barite, coal, and lead-zinc. However, the sector has historically contributed little to the national economy due to challenges like illegal mining, weak regulation, and insecurity.
Other officials at the event supported the administration's record. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged public support for the reforms. He cited improved security on major highways, declining inflation, and Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as signs of progress. Idris also mentioned the student loan scheme and rising gross domestic product. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stated that the president believes Nigeria can reach development levels similar to Brazil. He emphasized that citizens are beginning to feel the benefits of difficult economic decisions. The administration aims to translate macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in living standards across all sectors.