The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licences over default in the payment of annual service fees, in what it described as a decisive step to sanitise the mining sector and create fresh opportunities for serious investors.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced the move in Abuja on Sunday through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
According to him, the affected titles—comprising 584 exploration licences, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licences, and 470 small-scale mining leases—were recommended for revocation by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO).
Alake explained that the measure would not only enforce compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 but also open up access to sites for financially capable operators, thereby attracting new investment into the sector.
“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; the law allows you to return it if you change your mind,” he said.
The minister warned that the revocation did not amount to a waiver of outstanding obligations, stressing that the list of defaulters would be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for recovery.
Alake noted that the action would eliminate speculators who hoard licences and sell to the highest bidder, while industrious miners complain of lack of access to viable sites.
Tomori, quoting MCO Director-General Simon Nkom, said 1,957 defaulters were initially identified when the proposed revocation was published in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025. Despite the 30-day grace period, only a fraction complied.
Since the inception of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, 3,794 mineral titles have been revoked—including 619 for defaulting on annual fees and 912 for dormancy last year—underscoring a broader reform drive to reposition the sector as a driver of industrial growth.
Alake reiterated that the administration is laying the foundation for a solid minerals sector that creates jobs, feeds local industries, and drives national prosperity.
