584 Exploration Permits, 65 Mining Leases Among 1,263 Mineral Licences Revoked by FG

…Minister Alake Drags Defaulters to EFCC

By Jeremy Fregene
The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licences over default in the payment of annual service fees, in a move described as part of ongoing efforts to sanitise and reposition the nation’s mining sector.

According to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the affected titles include 584 exploration licences, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licences, and 470 small-scale mining leases.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who approved the revocations, explained that the decision followed recommendations by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO). He noted that the licences will now be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral System, thereby opening fresh opportunities for serious 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 it if you change your mind,” Alake said.

The minister added that enforcing compliance will prevent speculators from hoarding licences and blocking access to viable mining sites. He stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure that only financially capable and industrious investors operate in the sector.

He warned that the revocation does not mean the debts have been forgiven, noting that the list of defaulters would be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover the outstanding fees.

The Director-General of the MCO, Simon Nkom, explained that the process began with 1,957 initial defaulters published in the Federal Government Gazette of June 19, 2025. He said the gazette was widely circulated through MCO offices across the country to give operators a 30-day window to comply, in line with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and its regulations.

Since the Tinubu administration took office, a total of 3,794 licences have now been revoked — including 619 mineral titles withdrawn for non-payment of annual service fees and 912 others for dormancy last year.

Dr. Alake reiterated that the government’s objective is to reposition the solid minerals sector as a driver of industrialisation, job creation, and national prosperity.

“The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder is over. Nigeria’s mineral wealth must work for Nigerians — creating jobs, feeding industries, and building lasting prosperity,” he declared.