Nigeria’s Mining Cadastre Office Generates ₦10.9 Billion in Four Months Amid Sector Reforms

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has recorded a major revenue milestone, generating ₦10.9 billion between January and April 2025, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a significant contributor to its non-oil economy.

This achievement was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Mrs. Grace Okeke, Head of Press at the MCO, quoting the agency’s Director-General, Mr. Simon Nkom.

Key Revenue Highlights: January–April 2025

Total Revenue Generated: ₦10.9 billion
Q1 2025 Mining Fees: Approx. ₦7 billion
New Mineral Buying Centres Registered: 118
Mining Title Applications Received: 955

Breakdown of Applications:

651 – Exploration Licences
270 – Small-Scale Mining Leases
49 – Quarrying Permits
24 – Reconnaissance Permits

This surge in revenue and activity reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining industry, driven by regulatory reforms and digital transformation initiatives.

Reform Agenda Under Dele Alake's Leadership

The MCO attributes this revenue growth to the aggressive reforms introduced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, aimed at modernizing the mining landscape and boosting non-oil revenue generation.

“We are seeing the real-time impact of sectoral reforms and digital innovations introduced to enhance transparency and accountability,” said DG Simon Nkom.

Technology-Driven Transformation: eMC+ Deployment

A major milestone in the sector’s modernization was the 2022 launch of the Electronic Mining Cadastre (eMC+) system, which has:

Enhanced accessibility for investors
Minimized bureaucratic delays
Strengthened transparency and oversight
Streamlined licence application and tracking processes

Nkom noted that the eMC+ system has helped the MCO significantly reduce human interference and corruption in licence issuance and processing.

Inter-Agency Collaboration: Fighting Fraud, Ensuring Compliance

To reinforce regulatory integrity and eliminate abuse, the MCO has established strong partnerships with:

Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Nigeria Police Force
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

During a recent strategic meeting, Hussaini Magaji, Registrar-General of the CAC, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation to ensure that only duly registered, compliant, and credible companies are granted mining rights.

Mining as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification

The recent successes at the MCO signal a broader national push to diversify Nigeria’s revenue streams and reduce its historical overreliance on crude oil exports.

With rising mineral demand globally and local interest increasing, Nigeria's solid minerals sector—supported by institutional reforms and digital innovation—is emerging as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.

Looking Ahead

As the MCO continues to strengthen its regulatory framework and enhance operational transparency, expectations are high for:

Increased investor participation
More revenue generation from mining fees and royalties
Efficient land and resource management
Long-term growth of downstream mining industries

The ₦10.9 billion revenue milestone is not just a financial achievement—it’s a testament to the potential of the solid minerals sector to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic future.