Nigeria’s mining sector is undergoing a dramatic shake-up as the Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licences over defaults in the payment of mandatory annual service fees.
The move, approved by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, follows a recommendation from the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) and covers a wide spread of titles: 584 exploration licences, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licences, and 470 small-scale mining leases.
He said the approval, recommended by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) included 584 exploration licences, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licences, and 470 small-scale mining leases.
He said the move was part of ongoing efforts by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at sanitising the mining sector.
The minister said by the action, the licences would be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral system of the MCO which would create more opportunities for investors .
“The annual service fee is the minimum evidence that you are interested in mining.
“ You don’t have to wait for us to revoke the licence because the law allows you to return the licence if you change your mind,” the minister said.
Alake said by opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the move was expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.
According to him, applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector will make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.
“The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder while financially capable and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites is over,” he said.
The revoked titles are being deleted from the Electronic Mining Cadastral System, immediately opening access to investors seeking new opportunities.
“The annual service fee is the minimum evidence of interest in mining. The era of hoarding licences in drawers while capable investors are locked out is over,” Alake declared.
Why It Matters
This aggressive clean-up signals the government’s intent to:
- Eliminate speculation and idle titles that stifle sector growth.
- Free up high-value ground for serious, financially capable investors.
- Boost sector credibility with financiers and international partners.
- Support the Renewed Hope Agenda on industrialisation, local beneficiation, and job creation.
Since President Bola Tinubu took office, 3,794 licences have been revoked—619 for unpaid fees and 912 for dormancy last year alone.
Investor Impact
For miners and prospective entrants, the message is clear:
- Pay your annual fees promptly.
- Show evidence of work programmes.
- Engage in compliance, or risk losing your title.
The government has also warned that revocation does not cancel outstanding debts. Lists of defaulters will be forwarded to the EFCC for enforcement.
BRANDECONOMY Take
This is a watershed moment for Nigeria’s solid minerals industry. By purging inactive titles and clamping down on speculators, the government is creating space for genuine players to build projects that deliver value, jobs, and industrial feedstock.
It’s also a signal to global mining investors that Nigeria is serious about transparent cadastre management, compliance, and enforcement—the bedrock of any competitive mining jurisdiction.
