FG Revokes 1263 Mineral Licenses

FG Revokes 1263 Mineral Licenses 

The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses across the country over failure by holders to pay their mandatory annual service fees, in what authorities describe as a decisive move to sanitize Nigeria’s mining sector.

Mining site

The revoked titles comprise 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, approved the revocation following a recommendation by the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), the regulatory body responsible for mineral title administration.

Alake said the move was part of government’s commitment to enforcing compliance and weeding out speculators.

“This exercise is about creating space for serious investors and boosting sectoral growth. The era of holding licenses without development or payment of statutory fees is over,” he said.

With the latest action, the number of mineral titles revoked under the current administration has climbed to 3,794. These include 619 licenses previously cancelled for non-payment of annual fees and 912 titles withdrawn last year for dormancy.

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Industry analysts say the revocation could free up critical mineral assets for fresh bidding rounds, attract credible investors, and raise revenue for the government — provided transparency and due process are maintained.

Nigeria is seeking to position solid minerals as a major revenue earner, diversifying away from oil dependency. Experts note that effective enforcement of mining regulations is key to attracting global players and curbing illegal mining activities that cost the country billions annually.