Wednesday, 22 November 2023 04:48

FG revokes 1,633 mining licences over payment default

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Federal government has revoked 1,633 mining licenses due to default in payment of stipulated service fees by operators.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, said the revocation became necessary after the expiration of a 30-day notice to defaulters — as stipulated by sections 11 and 12 of the Nigerian Mineral Mining Act (NMMA), 2007.

Alake, in the statement issued by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to the minister, said the ministry began the process of revoking 2,213 titles on October 4, 2023.

“In compliance with the law, the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) on October 4, 2023 began the process of revoking 2,213 titles,” he said.

“These included 795 Exploration titles, 956 Small Scale Mining Licences, 364 Quarry licences, and 98 Mining Leases. These were published in the Federal Government Gazette Number 178, Volume 110 of October 10, 2023 with the notice of revocation for defaulting in the payment of Annual Service Fee.

“The mandatory 30 days expired on November 10, 2023. Only 580 title holders responded by settling their indebtedness.

“With this development, the MCO recommended the revocation of 1, 633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.

“In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles.

“I hereby warn the previous holders of these titles to leave the relevant cadaster with immediate effect as security agencies shall work with the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry to apprehend any defaulter found on any of the areas where titles have been revoked.”

Alske said efforts are ongoing to sanction other operators defaulting in payment of royalties, taxes amongst others.

According to the minister, revoking the licences of operators shortchanging government is an ongoing process which he said will create space for serious prospective investors to come on stream.

Addressing illegal mining in the country, Alake read the riot act to culprits, saying that their days are numbered.

Alake said illegal miners will be dealt with by the government should they continue their unauthorised mining activities.

He said President Bola Tinubu is committed to sanitising the mining sector.

On the issue of insecurity, Alake said plans for the establishment of mine police are underway.

The minister said the military will conduct initial clearance operations to pave the way for the deployment of the mine police.

 

The Cable

March 11, 2025

Why most branding advice is wrong — and what actually works

Scott Baradell Forget the buzzwords, the fluff and the empty mantras. Real branding isn't about…
March 07, 2025

Natasha suspended from Senate amid sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Akpabio

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months without pay…
March 09, 2025

‘One of the most powerful antidotes to loneliness,’ from U.S. Surgeon General

Every year in January, I tell myself I’ll spend less on dinners out, read more,…
March 01, 2025

Man offers to split $525,000 jackpot with thieves who stole his credit card to buy…

A Frenchman appealed to the homeless thieves who stole his credit card to buy a…
March 11, 2025

Gunmen launch deadly attacks in Ondo and Kebbi, leaving dozens dead

In a series of violent attacks across Nigeria, gunmen and terrorists have left a trail…
March 11, 2025

What to know after Day 1111 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Ukraine launches major drone attack targeting Moscow, Russia says Ukraine targeted the Russian…
February 24, 2025

How AI is affecting the way kids learn to read and write

Kayla Jimenez For Lisa Parry, a 12th grade teacher in South Dakota, the students' essays…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.