End of ‘Dig, Ship’: Oluwadarasimi backs Alake’s mining policy shift

Emmanuel Clement

A prominent advocate for resource nationalism and industrial development, Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi, has commended the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for his firm commitment to ensuring value addition within Nigeria’s mining sector.

Oluwadarasimi gave the commendation in a statement issued on Tuesday, following the Minister’s remarks at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference, where he reiterated that mining licenses in Nigeria would only be granted to investors with clear and actionable plans to process minerals locally.

The Minister’s position signals a significant policy shift aimed at discouraging the long-standing practice of exporting raw minerals without beneficiation — a model widely criticized for limiting economic growth and industrialization.

Describing the development as “a bold and necessary step,” Oluwadarasimi said the policy would strengthen Nigeria’s economy and reduce its dependence on raw material exports.

“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, facilitate technology transfer, boost small and medium-scale enterprises, and significantly increase national revenue through higher-value exports.”

He reiterated his long-standing advocacy that “African minerals must create African wealth,” stressing that in-country beneficiation remains critical to unlocking the full potential of the continent’s vast mineral resources.

Oluwadarasimi noted that Nigeria continues to lose billions of dollars annually by exporting unprocessed minerals such as lithium, gold, and barite, only to import finished products derived from those same resources at significantly higher costs.

“This policy direction effectively breaks that cycle and positions Nigeria on a more sustainable economic path,” he added.

He further emphasized that the Minister’s stance would attract responsible investors, encourage environmentally sustainable mining practices, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global minerals value chain.

Calling for broad-based support, Oluwadarasimi urged stakeholders across the sector — including foreign investors, indigenous operators, financial institutions, and host communities — to align with the Federal Government’s vision of promoting local processing, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.

“Compliance is not just regulatory; it is both patriotic and profitable. Investors who embrace local processing will benefit from government incentives, access to ready markets, and a more stable operating environment,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the policy would usher in a new era of growth and transformation in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, long regarded as a key driver of economic diversification.

“The era of ‘dig and ship’ must come to an end. With Minister Alake’s leadership, there is now a clear political will to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth truly benefits its people,” Oluwadarasimi concluded.

Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi is widely known for his advocacy on sustainable mining practices, industrialization, and policies that promote value retention within Africa’s resource sectors.