The Federal Government has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses due to defaults in the payment of annual service fees.
This decisive step, covering exploration, quarrying, small-scale, and large-scale mining operations, underscores the administration’s determination to enforce compliance and improve efficiency in the solid minerals sector.
Among the revoked titles are 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, explained that the action follows recommendations from the Mining Cadastre Office and is designed to ensure that only serious and diligent investors operate in Nigeria’s mining industry.
Alake stressed that enforcing the law would deter speculators and inactive operators while creating space for credible investors to develop Nigeria’s mineral wealth responsibly.
He added that this approach is expected to boost productivity, stimulate job creation, and attract the type of capital that can drive economic growth.
With this latest action, the total number of mineral titles withdrawn under the current administration has risen to 3,794. This includes 619 titles revoked for non-payment of fees and 912 revoked for dormancy last year.
The government reiterates that the measures will enhance accountability, encourage active participation, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector in line with its economic diversification agenda.
