Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said a credible digital identity system is essential to combating illegal mining, strengthening regulation and improving security in the country’s mining sector, underscoring the growing role of technology in resource governance.
Speaking during a meeting with the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in Abuja, Alake described digital identity, data and technology as critical tools for effective planning, regulation, investment and national security in Africa’s largest economy.
“Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations. A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector,” the minister said.
Nigeria has been seeking to reform its mining industry as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil, attract investment and curb illegal extraction of mineral resources. Authorities view stronger oversight and improved data systems as key to addressing revenue losses, environmental damage and security concerns linked to unregulated mining activities.
Alake said NIMC, the federal agency responsible for managing Nigeria’s national identity database, plays a vital role in the country’s development. He added that closer cooperation between the commission and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would enhance transparency, accountability, licensing processes, regulatory oversight and evidence-based policymaking.
Coker-Odusote said the recently enacted NIMC Act 2026 provides a stronger legal foundation for digital governance and creates new opportunities for collaboration across government institutions.
According to her, integrating digital identity systems into the mining sector would improve database integration, regulatory compliance, monitoring of operators, security coordination and law enforcement. It would also support the implementation of Community Development Agreements designed to ensure mining host communities benefit from resource extraction activities.
Both agencies pledged to deepen cooperation through technology-driven initiatives aimed at supporting ongoing sector reforms, strengthening governance, enhancing security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining industry.
The proposed partnership reflects a broader global trend in which governments are increasingly using digital identity and data-driven systems to improve oversight of strategic industries, combat illicit activities and strengthen public sector accountability.
