FG Revokes 1,263 Mineral Licences to Clean Up Nigeria’s Mining Sector

The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licences across Nigeria over non-payment of annual service fees, in a sweeping move to reform the mining industry and attract credible investors.

The decision, approved by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, followed recommendations from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO). According to Alake’s media aide, Segun Tomori, the revocation was announced on Sunday in Abuja.

This action comes just weeks after the minister signaled plans to cancel more than 1,000 dormant licences, in line with ongoing efforts to reposition the sector.

Breakdown of Revoked Licences

• 584 Exploration Licences (EL)
• 65 Mining Leases (ML)
• 144 Quarry Licences (QL)
• 470 Small-Scale Mining Licences (SSML)

Alake confirmed that these licences will be deleted from the Electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+), opening the affected areas to new and committed investors.

“The annual service fee is the minimum proof of interest in mining. If you’re no longer interested, the law allows you to return the licence—you don’t have to wait for revocation,” the minister said.

Crackdown on Speculators

The minister stressed that the revocation mainly targets speculators who hoard licences for resale rather than developing them.

“The era of keeping licences in drawers for the highest bidder is over,” Alake warned.

He further revealed that the list of defaulters will be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for enforcement, making it clear that revocation does not cancel outstanding debts.

Wider Context

• According to MCO Director-General, Engr. Simon Nkom, 1,957 licence holders had earlier been listed in the June 19, 2025 Gazette for non-compliance and given a 30-day grace period to settle fees under the Minerals and Mining Act 2007.
• Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, a total of 3,794 mineral licences have been revoked—including 619 in 2024 for non-payment and 912 for dormancy.
• In Q1 2025, the government collected ?6.95 billion in mining fees, registered 118 new private buying centers, and processed 955 mining title applications, approving 867.
• The government also plans to establish the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation to drive investment and open up shareholding to the public.

Why It Matters

Nigeria remains Africa’s top energy producer, yet mining contributes less than 1% to GDP, largely due to neglect, illegal activities, and underinvestment. Alake stressed that the ongoing reforms aim to:

• Create jobs for Nigerians
• Support local industries
• Attract sustainable foreign direct investment

“We are laying the foundation for a new Nigeria where mineral resources drive national prosperity,” he affirmed.