The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses following the failure of holders to pay their statutory annual service fees.
A statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the affected licenses would be deleted from the portal of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office’s (MCO) Electronic Mining Cadastral System.
The revoked titles include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.
Approving the revocation, Dr. Alake stressed that strict enforcement of the law was necessary to rid the sector of speculators and unserious investors, thereby opening opportunities for genuine operators to thrive.
“The era of obtaining licenses and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder while capable businessmen complain of access to viable sites is over,” the minister declared. “The annual service fee is the minimum proof of interest in mining. The law even allows licensees to voluntarily return titles if they change their minds.”
He added that the revocation does not absolve defaulters of outstanding debts, disclosing that the list of debtors would be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure recovery.
Director-General of the MCO, Simon Nkom, explained that the process began with 1,957 initial defaulters when the agency published its intention to revoke in the Federal Government Gazette of June 19, 2025. He said the timeline was extended to allow for reconciliation of payments, especially for licensees who had lodged complaints after making remittances through Remita.
With the latest action, a total of 3,794 mineral titles have been revoked under the Tinubu administration — including 619 licenses withdrawn last year for non-payment of fees and 912 for dormancy.
The move, officials said, is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize and reposition Nigeria’s mining sector despite resistance from defaulters and their agents.
LV