The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has raised concerns over the inadequate capacity of some mining title holders, particularly those holding multiple cadastral units. This issue, highlighted by NMCO Director General Dr Obadiah Nkom during the ninth Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, is hindering genuine investors’ entry into the mining sector. To rectify this, a new mining regime was introduced in July, focusing on competent operators and adhering to a ‘first come, first served’ principle. Nkom noted improvements, including increased investment and the cancellation of unused licenses, affirming NMCO’s role in promoting responsible mineral resource management and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.

The challenges faced by mining title holders in Nigeria are crucial for understanding the landscape of the mining sector. The NMCO is responsible for managing mineral rights in the country, aiming to attract investment and ensure sustainable resource management. The introduction of a new mining regime indicates an effort to address the gaps in capacity and effectively allocate titles to operators who can develop them, thereby bolstering the sector’s contribution to economic growth. This situation is particularly relevant as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy.

The NMCO’s initiatives reflect a strategic move towards enhancing the capacity and accountability of mining title holders in Nigeria. By implementing a new regime that prioritises capable operators and the productive use of mining titles, the agency aims to attract genuine investment, ensure compliance, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic ambitions. Ongoing improvements signal a promising future for the mining industry in Nigeria.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post NMCO Raises Alarm Over Mining Title Holders’ Capacity Issues first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has issued a total of 7,141 mining licenses; however, only about 1,000 of these are currently active, as revealed by Director General Obadiah Nkom. During a recent meeting with the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Nkom stressed the need for reforms in the sector, specifically in relation to mining fees and title ownership, due to the alarming number of inactive licenses. He noted that despite generating over N8 billion in revenue, the agency suffers from inadequate funding which restricts its operational effectiveness. Nkom further mentioned the successful transition to a web-based platform for improved access and transparency and the development of guidelines for an anti-money laundering unit in partnership with the EFCC. The committee, led by Chairman Jonathan Gaza, raised concerns about the licensing process, the impact of illegal mining, and the need for increased productivity due to insufficient funding. Gaza assured that the committee would escalate these issues to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development for necessary action.

The issue of inactive mining licenses in Nigeria highlights significant inefficiencies within the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO). Despite the issuance of over 7,000 licenses, the minimal number of active miners underscores a need for regulatory reform. Inadequate funding and concerns about illegal mining practices also pose challenges for the agency. This situation calls for improved oversight and potential restructuring in the mining sector to enhance productivity and revenue generation.

In summary, the NMCO faces challenges with a high volume of inactive mining licenses against a backdrop of inadequate funding and the prevalence of illegal mining. The agency’s call for reforms and better financing highlights the critical need for a more effective licensing and oversight system to improve the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy. The committee’s commitment to addressing these issues with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development is a positive step towards enhancing operational efficiency.

Original Source: nannews.ng

The post Only 1,000 of 7,141 Mining Licenses Active, Says NIMCO Director General first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.