In a move to sanitise the solid minerals sector and protect investors from fraudsters, the federal government is embarking on the clean-up exercise of the sector by revoking mining licenses.

The exercise is primarily aimed at making room for genuine investors and ensuring compliance with the extant law guiding the sector.

Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Obadiah Nkom, stated this during a live conversation on X (formerly Twitter), themed “A deep dive into the Mining Cadastre Office: Driving transparency and order in Nigeria’s solid minerals

The revocation order was approved by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake will involve expired, speculative, and inactive titles.

Nkom disclosed that MCO has identified and revoked 4,709 licenses, including 1,400 expired titles, 2,338 refused applications, and 971 notifications of grant where applicants failed to pay.

Dismissing rumor that the exercise was punitive, the DG noted that revocation order was a deliberate sanitisation process to weed out speculators who hoard licenses without adding value to the economy.

Insisting that the exercise had already boosted investor confidence in the sector, Nkom explained, “When you talk about backlog, for now, the ministry has had reasons to actually clear or revoke close to 4,709 mineral licenses. There were implementations in terms of revoked expiring titles of up to 1,400 licenses. We have had reasons to refuse applications in the system, 2,338. We have had a mineral title notification of 971. Can you imagine 971 notifications of grants that were notified but did not come to pay?

Read Also: Illegal mining in coastal area condemned

“There are even instances where some people have collected the grants, but they refuse to pay. So what do we do? So this cleaning exercise that we are doing is to be able to now create that space in the minefield for people.

“So, imagine having over 4,709 erased from our system by way of revocations implemented. It has sanitised our sector, and investors now know that if they are not going to be involved in exploration and value addition, there will be consequences.

“We are cautious. We follow the law. And this is why I repeat, we have had 100 percent success in litigations because we are an agency compliant with the provisions of the Act. Where we are wrong, we are not shy away from trapping ourselves and doing the right thing. I would hope that at the end of the day, we will not have any risk by following the provisions of the Act.

“Because there are some people who you find out that they have collected, they have too many licenses, and are not contributing to the sector. The was the view of the minister in terms of those fees reviewed. Again, like I said from the beginning, it is to be able to sanitise the sector. Not allowing somebody to have plenty of licenses. And after all, you say, how much is the total fee for renewal per year and since the amount was small. They just kept hold of it. But now, many of them have had to relinquish their licenses. Surrender their licenses.”

The DG also raised alarm over the activities of impostors parading as staff or agents of the agency, warning that any offender apprehended would be prosecuted by government.

He said his agency had made formal complaints to the Department of State Services and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to track and prosecute impersonators.

“We are going to bite and bite hard. These impersonators deceive innocent investors by giving the impression that they are staff of the cadastre. They collect money and documents illegally, tarnishing the image of the sector,” Nkom said.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Nigeria’s first large-scale gold mining company and a subsidiary of Thor Explorations (Thor), has launched its Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term value to its hosts in Osun State.

The event, on July 1, at Iperindo New Town Hall, brought together community members, traditional leaders, and local stakeholders.

The distribution is a step in Segilola’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and foster self-sufficiency.

The Livelihood Restoration Programme, implemented with paid compensation for project-affected persons, is to strengthen economic resilience and promote environmentally responsible livelihoods. In 2023, Segilola inaugurated key LRP initiatives in its host communities, including fish farms and vegetable farms, as part of its commitment to sustainable development. Building on this foundation, this phase focuses on two major agricultural interventions: oil palm high-yield seedling distribution and cocoa rehabilitation.

Read Also: Wike moves to end FCT Teachers’ strike, approves revenue deduction to meet demands

As part of the cocoa rehabilitation initiative in phase 2, Segilola distributed 400 high-yield cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals to 23 selected beneficiaries. Under Phase 1, 100 high-yield oil palm seedlings and agrochemicals were provided to seven beneficiaries. These efforts are to empower local farmers to establish productive and sustainable farms for long economic benefits.

Speaking at the event, Sikiru Haruna, senior Mining engineer said: “The Livelihood Restoration Programme reflects our belief that development should go beyond compensation. It is about enabling local farmers to build stronger, more resilient futures through sustainable agricultural practice. Investing in initiatives like these lays the foundation for economic independence and environmental stewardship.”

Present also was Nurudeen Bello, executive secretary in the Office of Natural and Mineral Resources, representing Prof Lukmon Jimoda, chairman of MIPREMCO in the state. He hailed the initiative, signalling  support and recognition of its value to the community.

Through initiatives like LRP, SROL continues to demonstrate what responsible mining can achieve: development that empowers people, protects the environment, and creates a legacy that benefits present and future generations.

A new report by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has exposed the egregious human rights violations and environmental degradation of host communities by Chinese and indigenous mining companies in Nigeria.

The report, titled “Mining Practices in Ezillo and Ikwo Communities of Ebonyi State: An Environmental Time Bomb,” was publicly unveiled at a global briefing jointly organised by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Renevelyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN) and attended by over 60 participants—including legal experts, grassroots organizers, and media professionals.

Field investigations conducted across four communities in the state revealed the total absence of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), a legal requirement under Nigerian law. Bypass of due process by the mining firms, signing non-legislative agreements with local elites and exclusion of the broader community in the processes.

At the global launch, Assistant Coordinator of the AJTN, Ciza Mukabaha said that the report revealed a willful non-compliance with national and international legal frameworks, highlighting the devastating impact of pollution, land grabbing, intimidation, and the failure of companies to fulfill community development agreements. These communities deserve justice, compensation, and comprehensive remediation of the damages caused.

Mercia Andrews of the Rural Women Assembly (South Africa) said:

“The stories from Ezillo and Ikwo reflect a broader struggle of rural communities across Africa. . “Organizing women and affected people into strong, informed movements is key to reclaiming our land, rights, and future.”

Chima Williams, Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) said:

“What we see in this report is not just negligence—it is structured impunity. Legal strategies, including class action lawsuits and community litigation are necessary tools to hold violators accountable and secure justice.”

Communities now face severe air and water pollution, infertile soils, declining crop yields, respiratory illnesses, and disrupted livelihoods. Vulnerable groups—especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities—have been entirely excluded from compensation processes and decision-making structures. Meanwhile, state security forces are reportedly used to intimidate community members who resist or speak out.

Philip Jakpor, Executive Director at the Renevelyn Development Initiative said:

“The findings are disturbing and add to the pool of resources available to hold the mining firms to account. The media must rise to its responsibility of amplifying community voices and exposing environmental injustices. Silence in the face of these injustices is as dangerous as the grave situation in the communities”

In his intervention, Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, Director of Campaigns and Administration at CODAF. Explained that the report is intended to ignite not only outrage but also action.

“The people of Ezillo and Ikwo deserve justice, dignity, and a healthy environment to call home.”

Findings in the report include:No environmental audits or proper ESIA prior to mining activities; massive land degradation, pollution, and destruction of livelihoods; discriminatory compensation schemes benefiting local elites; se of military/police to suppress dissent; loss of youth and skilled population due to economic collapse.

Read Also: Court convicts nine Chinese nationals for financial terrorism

Earlier, Benin Richard, the Executive Director of CODAF pointed out that the field investigations were necessitated by the grave reports the organisation was getting from host communities where mining was causing largely undocumented impacts.

The group recommended the conduct of Independent Environmental Audits including post-impact assessments to quantify damage and guide restoration, Fair and Inclusive Compensation for the locals that align with international standards such as the World Bank’s OP 4.12. It also demanded inclusive community engagement that must take into cognizance the position of women, youth, and marginalized groups in all negotiations and agreements.

Others are  implementation of resettlement and livelihood programs and enforcement of  environmental laws which must center on upholding Nigerian and international frameworks including the ADB Safeguard Policy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his resolve to chart a transformative path for Nigeria’s mining industry for its potential to fuel the country’s economy and secure a future of shared prosperity.

He also said his administration is shaping a mining sector that can stand as a global model of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.

President made this declaration on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 9th Nigeria Mining Week organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Miners Association of Nigeria.

Represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffery Nnaji, the President said the move to reposition the sector is being concretised through modernizing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to meet the demands of a dynamic global economy.

“This legislative reform brings clarity, transparency, and international competitiveness to our mining laws, making Nigeria an attractive destination for global investors.”

Highlighting his administration’s efforts, the President said: “We are reshaping a mining sector that can stand as a global model of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development. These reforms will ensure the wealth of Nigeria’s resources benefits every citizen.”

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the sector remained central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

He noted that in restoring order and maximising the sector’s potential for the economy, his ministry’s 7-point agenda has given shape to the industry, especially in her efforts at curbing the activities of illegal miners, which has led to the arrest and prosecution of over 300 illegal miners.

Commending the collaborative efforts of the executive and legislative arms in the push to make the sector a major driver of the economy, Alake said: “With the backing of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, this sector will take Nigeria out of the present economic situation.”

The Minister then appealed to Nigerians to support the government’s efforts of President Tinubu at fixing and restoring the country from the current economic woods, insisting that the President poised to reenact the Lagos State success story through collective action.

In his address, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu said the theme of the Mining Week resonates with the President’s priorities, particularly “in reforming the economy for sustainable inclusive growth, unlocking energy and natural resources for sustainable development, and accelerating diversification through industrialization and innovation.”

He added that his ministry is committed to harnessing Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources to generate employment, promote technology transfer, and drive economic growth.

Read Also: Tinubu vows to prioritise north’s development for Nigeria’s prosperity

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, stressed the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms in driving reforms in the solid minerals sector.

“No one can drive the reforms in the solid minerals sector alone,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective action to unlock the sector’s potential.

Also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gaza-Gbefwi called for increased budgetary allocation to the sector in the 2025 appropriation to accelerate development, insisting that the sector has the potential to address the country’s economic challenges.

“Nigeria is too blessed to face the present economic challenges. Unlocking the rich resources of this sector is key to our national prosperity,” he added.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji stressed the need for the country to diversify its economy, adding that the mining sector stands out as a vital driver.

“Our recent reports show the sector’s potential and incremental progress, with the solid minerals industry contributing 1.137 trillion naira ($3.86 billion) to government coffers between 2007 and 2023.

He further stated: “Despite this growth, the sector’s contribution to GDP remains modest, accounting for only 0.83% in 2022 and 0.75% in 2023.

“To harness the sector’s untapped potential, we recommend strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing data transparency, encouraging private sector participation, investing in infrastructure, and building local capacity.

Earlier, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, called for a comprehensive rebuild of the mining industry. He stressed the need to address challenges affecting the sector’s governance and operational efficiency.

“If rebuilt from the inside out, the mining sector can become the cornerstone of our national economy,” Ayanleke said, urging the implementation of the Minister’s 7-Point Agenda to drive meaningful impact.

• Niger Governor Bago pledges collaboration

The Senate at the weekend promised to ensure that the nation’s mining sector is free of illegal and detrimental activities which deny the Federal Government legitimate revenue that runs into billions of naira.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sampson Ekong, expressed the commitment of the Red Chamber to fostering a safe and profitable mining sector when he led other members of the committee on a visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the weekend in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The visit was in continuation of the committee’s investigation into a collapsed mining pit in the state which led to the death of about 30 persons and how to stop future occurrences.

Other committee members who accompanied Ekong on the visit included Senators Diket Plang, Amos Yohanna, Professor Anthony Ani, Okechukwu Ezea, and Sani Musa (who moved the motion on the mining pit collapse) as well as the committee’s Clerk, Mr. Paul Kapnam.

Ekong regretted that the activities of unauthorised miners had continued to hinder Federal and state governments from realising the benefits of the projected multi billion dollars minerals sector in the country.

The committee chairman said the sector was exponentially threatened by illegal practices, such as unauthorised mining with crude systems, environmental endangerment and unregulated operations with very little attention to safety or best practices in the industry.

Read Also: My opponents desperate to hijack Rivers resources, Fubara alleges

Outlining the purpose of the visit, Ekong (PDP, Akwa Ibom South) said: “Your Excellency, let me also use this opportunity to sincerely commiserate with you and, indeed, the people of Niger State over the tragedy that befell the state on Monday, June 3, 2024, when a mining site collapsed in Shiroro and which led to several fatalities.

“Our hearts and prayers continue to abound with you over the unfortunate incident.

“Our visit to Niger State today is a response to the mandate given to our committee as part of the resolve of the Senate to undertake an on-the-spot visit to Niger over the ill-fated Shiroro tragedy, ascertain remote causes and engage with critical stakeholders towards averting similar occurrence in the future, chart pathway to sustainable sector development and report same to the Senate for further legislative consideration.

“On Monday, June 3, 2024, the nation was engulfed in the grief of the collapse of a mining pit in Galadima-Kogo village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.