Lagos — The Nigerian authorities report that their Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, received 955 applications for mineral rights approvals in the initial three months of 2025, with a total of 867 permits being granted during this period.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister for Solid Minerals, disclosed this information in an official statement, mentioning that the permits encompassed 512 exploration licenses, 295 small-scale mining leases, 60 quarry leases, and 5 mining leases.
He disclosed this during his conversation. stated that the government collected more than N6.95 billion in mining fees and registered 118 new private mineral purchasing centers during the reviewed period. described as a significant step towards reforms Nigeria’s mining sector and attracting new investments.
As he stated, these accomplishments showcase the government's strong efforts to revamp the industry and boost its international competitiveness.
These accomplishments directly mirror our steadfast efforts in enhancing awareness and drawing investments to our dynamic mining sector.
"The MCO has been notably busy, handling 955 applications, comprising 651 for exploration, 270 for small-scale mining, 49 for quarrying, and 24 for reconnaissance permits," stated the minister.
To further revamp the industry, Alake stated that the government is nearing completion on setting up the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation—an entity created specifically to propel Nigeria onto the international mining stage.
"This framework will act as a specialized entity aimed at propelling Nigeria onto the international mining stage. It will provide Nigerians with an opportunity to invest via a public offering," he further stated.
Regarding international collaborations, the Minister emphasized several key partnerships, noting that the French government has pledged to furnish the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency’s lab facilities and educate young Nigerian geologists through an accord negotiated by President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
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