NEITI Endorses Revocation of 1,263 Mining Licenses, Urges Reforms to Strengthen Solid Minerals Sector

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s recent decision to revoke 1,263 mining titles, describing the move as bold, timely, and aligned with its long-standing recommendations for accountability in the solid minerals sector.

The revoked licenses include 584 exploration titles, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases. This enforcement brings the total number of revoked licenses under the current administration to nearly 3,800.

According to NEITI, the revocation directly addresses widespread defaults in the payment of statutory fees and royalties, a problem consistently flagged in its annual industry audits.

The agency’s 2023 Solid Minerals Industry Report revealed that 1,619 companies owed ₦680.3 million in unpaid fees. Earlier audits had uncovered ₦1.06 billion in arrears in 2021 and ₦2.76 billion in 2020, pointing to a pattern of non-compliance.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the latest action sends a strong signal to operators that mineral titles must be tied to responsibility and performance, not speculation.

“These figures underline a persistent culture of non-compliance that has undermined revenue collection and sector credibility. By revoking the licenses, government is sending a strong message that mineral titles are not speculative assets to be hoarded but legal instruments tied to clear obligations,” Dr. Orji stated.

He added that revocation would not only deter future defaults but also open up fresh opportunities for credible investors with the resources and technology needed to develop the sector responsibly.

Dr. Orji stressed that the enforcement is expected to:

• Reduce revenue leakages

• Free up mineral-rich zones from dormant titles

• Attract new investors with capital and expertise

• Enhance competition and sector credibility

NEITI commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastral Office for acting decisively, while urging consistency in enforcement to build investor confidence and support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“Enforcing compliance will boost revenue inflows while helping to build transparency and accountability. In the long run, this strengthens Nigeria’s broader agenda of reducing dependence on oil and positioning solid minerals as a pillar of sustainable growth,” Dr. Orji said.

The agency concluded by calling for a comprehensive reform programme to overhaul the licensing framework, strengthen monitoring systems, and attract reputable investors to unlock the country’s vast mining potential.