FG Moves To Revoke 1,633 Mining Titles

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government says it is taking vigorous steps to revoke 1,633 mining titles,on account of owners’ failure to pay annual service fees.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake,who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday,explained that the aim is to create space for serious investors in the sector.

He warned previous operators not to return to the revoked spaces, as security agencies will be involved,saying the move is part of ongoing efforts to free up the mining environment for genuine investors.

“A 30-day notice was given, and despite 580 title holders settling their debts, the Mining Cadastre Office recommended the revocation of 1, 633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.

“In compliance with the law, the Mining Cadastre office, MCO, on October 4, 2023 began the process of revoking 2,213 titles, these included 795 Exploration titles, 956 Small Scale Mining Licences, 364 Quarry licences and 98 Mining Leases” .

“These were published in the Federal Government Gazette Number 178, Volume 110 of October 10, 2023 with the notice of revocation for defaulting in the payment of Annual Service Fee.

“In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles. I hereby warn the previous holders of these titles to leave the relevant cadastre with immediate effect as security agencies shall work with the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry to apprehend any defaulter found on any of the areas where titles have been revoked” the minister stressed.

He emphasized that the Federal Government would continue to revoke title licenses of faulty mining operators.