The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses due to non-payment of annual service fees, aiming to sanitize the mining sector and attract serious investors.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasised that the era of hoarding licenses for resale to the highest bidder is over.
Dr. Alake stated, “The annual service fee is the minimum evidence of interest in mining. If you change your mind, the law allows you to return the license rather than wait for us to revoke it. ”
The revocation is expected to open up previously licensed areas, creating new opportunities for investors.
He said the list of defaulters will be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restructuring the sector for long-term growth.
The revocation followed the publication of the intention to revoke licenses in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025, with licensees given a 30-day compliance period.
Delays in finalizing the recommendation stemmed from reconciling payments made by some licensees via Remita.
This latest action brings the total number of mineral titles revoked under the current administration to 3,794, including 619 licenses revoked for unpaid fees and 912 for inactivity in the previous year
Withbthis development, not less than 1,263 mineral licenses will be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral System of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, MCO following their revocation by the federal government.
These include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.
By opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the revocation is expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.
Approving the revocation following the recommendation of the MCO, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector would make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.
“The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder while financially capable and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites.
