The Federal Government of Nigeria has revoked 1,263 mineral licenses because their holders failed to pay the required annual service fees. The cancellations cover a range of licences: 584 exploration licences, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licences, and 470 small‑scale mining leases.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said the move is intended to weed out speculators and unserious investors, allowing diligent investors to drive growth in the sector. He stressed that the annual service fee is the minimum proof of commitment to mining and that licence holders who no longer wish to operate should return their licences.
The Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) first identified 1,957 defaulters when it announced the intended revocations in the Federal Government Gazette on 19 June 2025. After a 30‑day compliance period, the MCO forwarded the list of revoked licences to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) so that debtors can be compelled to pay or face legal action.
This revocation is part of a broader effort to cleanse the mining sector, which has seen 3,794 mineral titles cancelled under the current administration—619 for non‑payment of annual fees and 912 for dormancy last year. The government believes these reforms will positively impact the sector, despite resistance from some defaulters and their agents.
By removing inactive licences, the government aims to create new opportunities for investors and encourage fresh applications. It remains committed to ensuring that the mining industry operates transparently and responsibly, with the EFCC tasked with collecting outstanding fees and ongoing monitoring to deter speculative activities.
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