FG Pushes Digital Tracking to Curb Illegal Mining

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has stressed the importance of a credible digital identity system in strengthening governance, enhancing security and supporting ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Alake made the remarks in Abuja while receiving the management of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), led by its Director-General, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during a courtesy visit to his office. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoye-Wise.
According to the statement, the minister described NIMC as a vital institution in Nigeria’s development framework, noting that effective governance in today’s world depends on reliable data, technology and efficient identity management systems. He said the reforms in the solid minerals sector require close collaboration with institutions like NIMC to improve transparency, accountability and regulatory oversight across the mining value chain.
Alake explained that digital identity systems are essential for tracking mining activities and tackling illegal operations in the sector. He stated that without proper identification, it becomes difficult to trace operators, monitor activities and curb insecurity. He added that a credible identity ecosystem would strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support efforts to sanitise the mining industry.
The minister also identified technology, data collection, statistics and digital identity as critical tools for evidence-based policymaking, efficient licensing processes, investment promotion and sustainable national development.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIMC, Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted areas of collaboration between the two institutions. She said the newly enacted NIMC Act, 2026, has positioned Nigeria to fully embrace a digital governance ecosystem.
Coker-Odusote noted that integrating identity management into the solid minerals sector would enable database integration across government institutions, strengthen regulatory compliance, improve monitoring of mining operators and support the implementation of Community Development Agreements in host communities.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration through technology-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening governance, improving security and accelerating reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector.