Tinubu Commends Alake on Re-Election as African Minerals Body Chair

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Dr. Dele Alake on his re-election as Chair of the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) Council of Ministers, celebrating the recognition of Nigerian leadership on the continental stage.

In a statement released by his media team, the President described Alake’s re-election as a testament to his expertise, dedication and the confidence placed in him by African peers. Tinubu said the appointment underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping sustainable mineral development policies and advancing Africa’s economic interests.

Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, secured a fresh term as Chair of the AMDC Council of Ministers during the organisation’s recent strategic meeting. His continuation in the role reflects his leadership in championing responsible mining practices, institutional reforms and inclusive development frameworks within the African mining sector.

“His re-election is a well-deserved honour, reflecting his deep commitment to advancing mineral policy coherence, beneficiation and socio-economic transformation across the continent,” President Tinubu said. The president emphasised that Alake’s leadership aligns with broader national and regional goals for leveraging mineral resources to achieve sustainable growth.

Established under the auspices of the African Union (AU), the AMDC serves as a specialised technical institution mandated to support African countries in developing their mineral resources responsibly and competitively, while ensuring environmental protection and community benefit. As Council Chair, Alake has played a key role in driving policy dialogue, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives among member states.

Tinubu’s commendation highlighted Nigeria’s pride in Alake’s achievement and reaffirmed government support for the solid minerals sector as a critical pillar of economic diversification. “We are proud that a Nigerian has been entrusted with this continental leadership role, and we look forward to his continued contributions to Africa’s mineral development agenda,” the president noted.

Observers say Alake’s re-election offers Nigeria an opportunity to deepen its engagement on mineral governance issues, attract investment, and promote value addition within the sector. His tenure at the AMDC has coincided with growing interest from both African and international stakeholders in harnessing the continent’s mineral endowments for industrialisation and job creation.

In his reaction to President Tinubu’s commendation, Dr. Alake expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to continue advocating for policies that prioritise transparency, sustainability and shared prosperity. He said his leadership at the AMDC Council will emphasise collaborative frameworks that empower member states to address common challenges — including artisanal mining regulation, environmental stewardship and equitable revenue distribution.

Alake also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic corps for their assistance in fostering strong continental ties and securing the backing of African partners. “This re-election reflects not only personal confidence but also the collective belief in Africa’s potential to harness its mineral resources responsibly,” he said.

Industry experts assert that the AMDC’s work — under Alake’s stewardship — is critical in supporting implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals, particularly in promoting regional value chains and reducing dependency on raw resource exports. By aligning mineral policy with broader economic frameworks, the Centre seeks to ensure that resource-rich nations derive sustained benefits for citizens.

As Dr. Alake begins his new term, stakeholders in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector have reiterated their optimism that his leadership will help elevate Africa’s global competitiveness in responsible mining, attract quality investment and drive inclusive development across the continent. President Tinubu’s endorsement underscores the significance of this achievement and signals continued Nigerian engagement in shaping Africa’s economic future.