The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has achieved a significant milestone by generating approximately N18 billion in revenue from 2019 to May 2023, according to the Director-General, Mr. Obadiah Nkon. This marked increase in revenue includes a record-breaking N4.3 billion generated in 2021 alone, the highest collection in a single year since the establishment of the MCO.
Over the past four years, the MCO has made remarkable strides in its operations. One of its notable achievements is the upgrade of its SIGTIM software to the web-based online mineral title administration and management, known as the electronic mining cadastre system (eMC+). The eMC+ was unveiled on November 1, 2022, to stakeholders, with the aim of improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and promoting accessibility of information.
Mr. Nkon emphasized the importance of digitalization in reducing operational costs and eliminating barriers to trade and market access for both the government and private business operators. The MCO has actively participated in various local and international conferences, such as the London Mines and Money, Australia Down Under, and the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), to attract potential investors to the mining sector. The office has also leveraged conferences like the African Mining Indaba in Capetown, South Africa, as a reliable platform for showcasing investment opportunities in the Nigerian mining industry.
Furthermore, the MCO has successfully completed the e-recording and archiving of mineral title documents, which are now ready for integration into the eMC+ online system. In addition, the office has achieved significant milestones in the areas of acquisition, geo-referencing, and geocoding of topographic maps of Nigeria for integration into the mining cadastre digital database. This has enabled the production of thematic mapping of mineral titles restricted in protected areas within the database.
To enhance efficiency and transparency, the MCO has established offices in the six geo-political zones of the country. It has also created the Press, Research, Development, and Sustainability units at its headquarters, fostering collaboration with other departments and agencies of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
The impressive revenue generation and transformative developments within the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office highlight the positive strides being made in the mining sector. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the commitment of the MCO in attracting both local and foreign investments to the country’s mineral resources. With the continued support and advancement of technologies like the eMC+, Nigeria’s mining industry is poised for sustained growth and increased contribution to the nation’s economy.
