ABUJA – In a groundbreaking move set to transform Nigeria’s mining industry, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, unveiled a new regime of rates and charges for various services provided by the ministry’s departments and agencies.
“Today, we are taking a major step in the efforts to implement the seven-point agenda to position the sector for economic consolidation and international competitiveness,” Alake declared at a press conference in Abuja.
This initiative, he explained, is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the sector’s technical efficiency and transparency, attract global investments, and bolster Nigeria’s economic growth.
Dr. Alake highlighted significant improvements achieved through recent projects, such as the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project.
Notable advancements include the Mining Cadastral Office’s adoption of the EMC+ portal, which allows for a 24-hour application and administration system, and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency’s establishment of an integrated geological database.
“These upgrades have accelerated the rate of applications, improved transparency and accountability, and boosted investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector,” he noted.
Additionally, the Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Department now boasts the first electronic inventory of operators, facilitating better training and support for artisanal miners.
To sustain these advancements and ensure that users contribute to the sector’s ongoing development, the new rates regime introduces updated fees and penalties.
Key highlights include a N3 million fee for mining leases, N600,000 for exploration licenses, and N500,000 for quarry leases. Annual service fees and penalties for late renewal of mineral titles have also been revised.
“It is equitable that those who use these services and profit from the mining sector should be on the frontline of the government’s efforts to recoup investments,” Alake stated.
He assured stakeholders that these changes, developed through extensive consultations, would further improve the ease of doing business in the mining sector while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry in her closing remarks said the new rate will be published in their website and some of the national dailies.