Tinubu urges ministers to defend Africa against illegal exploiters

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On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu called on ministers to protect Africa’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation. 

Speaking in Abuja, President Tinubu urged African leaders in the solid minerals sector to be patriotic and proactive in managing the continent’s natural wealth and fighting illegal exploitation. 

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that President Tinubu made these remarks while receiving a delegation of African Ministers of Solid Minerals from the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), led by Chairman Dele Alake, at the State House.

“We will lead the continent to self-realization regarding the value of our minerals and economic ingenuity, liberating it from undue exploitation and abuse,” the President declared. 

Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Alake, explained that the group was formed out of necessity and a recognition of the “divide and rule tactics” that have weakened the negotiating power of African countries in the global market.

He noted that various international forums on Africa’s solid minerals, particularly one held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earlier this year, highlighted the need for Africans to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.

“The world needs critical metals for energy transition and green energy, and these critical metals are largely found in Africa. At the Riyadh Conference, African nations and representatives decided that if we do not unite and speak with one voice, exploitation of Africans will continue,” Mr. Alake said.

Mr. Alake emphasized that “divide and rule tactics” have consistently undermined the bargaining power of African countries and the true valuation of their natural assets.

“At the Riyadh Conference, African ministers united, made presentations, and adopted local value-addition policies recommended for all African countries. Several presidents have already begun making policy pronouncements in this direction.

“This group was formed at the Riyadh Conference to synthesize ideas, create synergy among African countries, and, where feasible, establish uniform policies. This way, if an investor finds Nigeria’s terms too stringent, they will face the same conditions in Benin, Congo, Malawi, and other African countries.

“By uniting, we ensure that the divide and rule tactic, used to exploit our continent for centuries, will no longer be viable,” the Minister said.