The Nigeria Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has applauded the federal
government’s sweeping move to revoke thousands of mineral titles, describing
the decision as “bold, timely, and consistent” with its audit findings.
According to NEITI, the
licences withdrawn include 584 exploration permits, 65 mining leases, 144
quarry licences, and 470 small-scale mining leases. In total, 3,794
mineral titles have now been cancelled under the current administration,
with reasons ranging from unpaid service fees to prolonged inactivity.
Data from NEITI’s 2023 Solid
Minerals Industry Report showed that 1,619 companies owe the government
?680.3 million in fees and royalties. Similar arrears have been flagged in
past reports, including ?1.06 billion owed by 238 companies in 2021 and ?2.76
billion owed by over 2,000 firms in 2020.
NEITI’s Executive Secretary,
Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, stressed that the revocation underscores
government resolve to end the culture of non-compliance plaguing the sector.
“Mineral titles are not
speculative assets but legal instruments with defined obligations,” Orji said.
“Revoking these licences sends a clear message while opening the door for
serious investors with the capacity and technology to operate responsibly.”
The agency added that
enforcing compliance will not only increase government revenue but also improve
transparency, curb revenue leakages, and attract credible investors to
Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Billions of naira lost in unpaid fees, it
noted, could have funded critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
NEITI praised the Ministry
of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastral Office for acting
decisively, while urging the federal government to roll out a comprehensive
reform strategy to reposition the solid minerals industry as a key driver
of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
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