Nigeria revenue service takes over mineral royalties, ministry retains oversight
The administration of mineral royalties from mining operations across Nigeria has officially transitioned to the Nigeria Revenue Service, while the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to provide technical and regulatory oversight of the sector.
The decision emerged from a high-level meeting on April 2, 2026, between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, and the NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, at the Ministry’s Abuja office.
The discussions focused on defining collaborative mechanisms for implementing the new mineral royalty framework under the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025.
A statement released Friday by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman, explained that the change is in line with new tax laws empowering NRS to administer all federally collectable revenue.
The new arrangement officially took effect on January 1, 2026.
“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Nigeria Revenue Service wish to inform mining operators and the general public of the outcome of their meeting on April 2, 2026, on the collaborative implementation of mineral royalty administration under the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025,” the statement said.
While NRS takes over the collection of royalties, the Ministry will remain a vital technical partner, providing mineral pricing data, geological information, and industry coordination to ensure accurate and transparent royalty calculations.
Both institutions have committed to working closely to keep operators well-informed and to support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
To ease the transition, a joint nationwide sensitisation programme would be launched for operators, focusing on royalty filing and payment under the new laws.
Additionally, the framework would include the development of a modern, end-to-end digital system for royalty administration.
The statement further noted that joint technical sessions between the Ministry and NRS will be conducted regularly to address operational issues and ensure smooth implementation.
“The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and NRS wish to assure mining operators and the public that both institutions are fully aligned and committed to implementing the new royalty framework in an orderly, transparent manner that supports the mining sector.
”Operators are encouraged to continue meeting their filing and payment obligations and to actively participate in the forthcoming sensitisation programme,” the statement said.
