Alake urges NIPSS to drive national mindset shift for development
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to lead the charge in reshaping the mental attitude of Nigerians, describing it as a critical foundation for effective governance and sustainable national development.
Dr. Alake made the call on Wednesday while receiving participants of NIPSS Senior Executive Course 47 (2025) in his office. He praised the institute as Nigeria’s foremost policy think tank but emphasized the need for it to bridge the gap between intellectual policy development and practical implementation.
“We’ve had several development plans over the years, but implementation has often been fragmented,” he said. “NIPSS was established as a hub of intellectualism into the art of governance, yet a gap remains—either because public officials do not fully engage with its recommendations or because its ideas aren’t being articulated clearly enough for adoption.”
Highlighting the ongoing transformation in the mining sector, the Minister lamented the years of neglect that allowed illegal operators to exploit the nation’s mineral wealth unchecked. He noted that under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the tide is turning through decisive reforms and enforcement.
He cited the achievements of the recently deployed mining marshals, who in under a year have arrested over 300 illegal miners, prosecuted about 150—some of whom are foreign nationals—recovered 98 illegal mining sites, and secured nine convictions. He added that over 250 artisanal mining cooperatives have also been formalized, promoting regulation and boosting revenue generation through royalties.
“Once the mental attitude is wrong, nothing else can be right,” Alake stated. “The president is focused on plugging systemic leakages through reforms that ensure long-term national prosperity. We must support that vision with a change in how Nigerians perceive and engage with public policy.”
In response, NIPSS representative Mr. David Aloh commended the ministry’s transparency and commitment to reform, describing the engagement as “illuminating and eye-opening.” He said the participants had gained valuable insights, particularly regarding the operations of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), as they relate to Nigeria’s green economy goals.
“On behalf of the Director-General, management, faculty, and members of Course 47, we express our gratitude. The knowledge acquired here will greatly aid our policy studies and implementation strategies in line with Mr. President’s mandate,” Aloh concluded.
