From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) said the country currently has 7,200 valid solid mining titles across the federation, adding that it generated more than N1 billion in the first quarter of this year.
NMCO Managing Director Obadiah Nkom made the revelation during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday.
He said that this figure is a reflection of a significant increase in the number of valid mining titles, operational licenses, over the last year, attesting to the improvement in the administration of solid mineral resources in the country in recent years. years.
“Today, we can say that we have seven thousand two hundred (7,200) valid mining titles and it is not the number of mining titles that counts, but the active mining titles are what is important in order to avoid titles that are just dormant.”
The DG noted that with the improvement of the system, more applicants, especially from the international scene, are coming to apply for a license, but said the process of revoking more licenses for one reason or another is ongoing. , adding that the MCO was following all procedures. and explore all avenues before acting.
He pointed out that more than 4,000 names of mining title holders have been published recently in some national dailies for default, adding that before a title is withdrawn, the holder is given thirty (30) days notice to defend.
“We have generated more than 1 billion naira in April this year, on the federation’s account, to increase the country’s revenue target and increase its gross domestic product,” he said.
Nkon also added that the agency protects indigenous mining by not issuing small-scale mining licenses to foreigners. “The agency does not grant small-scale mining licenses to foreigners and the main thing is to encourage indigenous miners to participate in the mining sector and improve their businesses,” he said.
