Government Cracks Down on Illegal Miners, Revokes Over 1,600 Mining Titles

The recent announcement by The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, concerning the revocation of 1,633 mining titles due to non-payment of annual service fees, reflects a concerted effort by the Government to enforce compliance within the sector. This decision was made after the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) initiated the process of revoking 2,213 titles, only 580 of which were settled by the holders.

In accordance with legal requirements, the revocation of these titles was published in the Federal Government Gazette, with a 30-day window for response that closed on November 10. The Minister has stated that these titles will be reissued to more serious investors, and has cautioned previous holders to vacate the relevant cadaster promptly.

Significantly, this move underscores the Government’s dedication to cleansing the solid minerals sector and positioning it for global competitiveness. The Minister has urged stakeholders to collaborate towards these objectives and has called upon those engaging in improper practices within the sector to rectify their approach, emphasising that the ultimate benefactors will be the people of Nigeria.

Dr Alake has expressed apprehension over corporate entities realizing substantial profits from mining activities while neglecting their statutory obligation to remit annual service fees to the government. He has underscored the insignificance of this financial commitment in relation to the revenue projections of these companies and highlighted the importance of fulfilling their obligations.

Notably, the Minister has highlighted the necessity of a governance system to regulate the conduct of sector participants, stressing the key principles of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 in the transparent and comprehensive administration of titles.

Furthermore, The Minister has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, indicating that their activities will be curtailed. He has also emphasized the imperative of adherence to the law within the sector and has pledged to enforce compliance.

The recent crackdown on illegal miners and the revocation of over 1,600 mining titles serves as evidence of the Government’s resolve to enforce regulations within the mining industry and ensure that all stakeholders function within legal parameters. This measure also seeks to deter illicit practices and promote responsible participation in the sector.