The Federal Government has declared an end to the practice of hoarding mineral-rich land without meaningful development, urging titleholders to either develop their concessions or relinquish them.
Obadiah Simon-Nkom, Director General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), conveyed this message during an interview with journalists in Abuja, emphasizing the government’s “use it or lose it” policy regarding mineral licensing.
In a significant announcement, Simon-Nkom revealed that the agency generated over N6.95 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, attributing this achievement to extensive reforms, digital transformation, and strategic licensing practices.
He noted that 152 license modifications were processed in the first quarter, encompassing changes in mineral titles, relinquishments, transfers, and renewals. “Of the 955 applications received, 651 were for exploration licenses, reflecting the critical role of exploration in establishing viable mining projects. The principle remains: ‘Use it or lose it.’ We will no longer tolerate the hoarding of vast mineral-rich lands without development. If a deposit is not economically viable, surrender the title and move on,” he stated.
Simon-Nkom linked the revenue increase to the agency’s fully digitalized licensing platform, EMC+, operational since November 2022. This system, now the exclusive channel for all mineral title applications and transactions in Nigeria, has transformed the process by providing real-time updates and enhanced efficiency.
Established in 2007, the MCO is responsible for administering and managing mineral titles in accordance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. Simon-Nkom highlighted that these initiatives are part of broader reforms inspired by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development’s seven-point agenda, aimed at curbing illegal mining, boosting investor confidence, and sanitizing the sector.
“The EMC+ system is entirely online—transparent, efficient, and real-time. We are not just hopeful; we are witnessing the realization of a vision that is transforming Nigeria’s mining industry,” he asserted.
The MCO has transitioned from outdated polygon-based licensing to a modern, web-based electronic mining cadastral system that tracks every stage of the application process, improving transparency and reducing opportunities for manipulation.
The agency collaborates closely with security and anti-graft agencies, with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recently clearing the office of compliance concerns and commending its digitization efforts. The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) views licensing agencies like the MCO as vital to Nigeria’s efforts to exit the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list.”
Simon-Nkom explained that the N6.95 billion revenue was driven by system-governed fees, including annual service fees, processing charges, late renewal penalties, and search/certification charges. He emphasized that the review of license fees was not arbitrary but aimed at aligning charges with land usage realities.
“If you want to hold 200 square kilometers, you’ll now pay proportionately. No more paying the same fee as someone holding 20 square kilometers,” he clarified.
This approach serves as a strategic tool to streamline the licensing system, encourage operational mines, and eliminate speculators. The DG described the office as a mini-court, handling petitions with legal and technical scrutiny, and employing mechanisms such as affidavits, traditional ruler validation, and community engagement to ensure due process.
