The Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) has expressed support for the Federal Government’s decision to revoke 1,263 mineral licences, describing the move as a necessary step to sanitise the sector and unlock opportunities in Nigeria’s lithium market.
National President of WIMIN, Mrs Janet Adeyemi, said Wednesday in Abuja that the revocation was timely given the surge in global demand for lithium, a critical mineral driving energy transition and reshaping international supply chains.
“This move checks the ‘all-comers syndrome’ in Nigeria’s mining sector. Mining is technologically timed, and Nigeria must take advantage of this season by ensuring only serious and responsible operators control our concessions,” Adeyemi said.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, had recently approved the revocation of the licences over non-payment of statutory fees, directing that the titles be deleted from the Electronic Mining Cadastre Office system to create space for credible investors.
Adeyemi warned that dormant or defaulting licences amounted to missed opportunities, stressing that minerals once considered waste, such as lithium, are now global commodities shaping trade, energy and diplomacy.
“By enforcing compliance, we attract credible indigenous and foreign investors, strengthen our reputation as a mining jurisdiction and secure Nigeria’s place in global critical mineral supply chains,” she said.
She further clarified that the revocation should not be seen as punitive but corrective and strategic, aimed at positioning the country’s solid minerals sector for sustainable development.
According to her, mining licences are not privileges to be hoarded but legal instruments tied to obligations such as royalties, community development and environmental responsibility.
“Defaulters who ignore these obligations undermine our economy, our communities and our global reputation. They cannot be allowed to hold Nigeria back,” Adeyemi stated.
She commended the minister for what she called bold steps to reposition the sector, including recent reforms and the conviction of an Ansaru commander for illegal mining, which she said should serve as a deterrent to others.
Adeyemi, however, emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in sector governance, warning that corruption and weak regulation could stall the expected gains.
