Lagos — The Nigerian government says its Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, processed 955 applications for mineral title grants, approving a total of 867 licenses during in the first quarter of 2025.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, made the disclosure in a statement, saying the licenses included 512 exploration licenses, 295 small-scale mining leases, 60 quarry leases, and 5 mining leases.
He revealed this as he announced that the government generated over N6.95 billion in mining fees and registered 118 new private mineral buying centres in the period under review, in what has been described as a major leap toward reforming Nigeria’s mining sector and attracting new investments.
According to him, the achievements reflect the government’s aggressive push to reposition the sector and raise its global competitiveness.
“These achievements are a direct reflection of our dedicated efforts to raise awareness and attract investors to our vibrant mining industry.
“The MCO has been particularly active, processing 955 applications, including 651 for exploration, 270 for small-scale mining, 49 for quarrying, and 24 for reconnaissance permits,” the minister said.
In a bid to further transform the sector, Alake announced that the government is finalizing the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation—a special-purpose vehicle designed to bring Nigeria into the global mining arena.
“This structure will serve as a special-purpose vehicle to elevate Nigeria into the global mining arena. Nigerians will have the chance to invest through a public offering,” he added.
On international collaborations, the Minister highlighted a number of strategic partnerships, stating that the French government has committed to equipping the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency’s laboratory and training young Nigerian geologists under a bilateral agreement secured by President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
