The federal government of Nigeria has collected N6.9 billion in mining fees during the first quarter of 2025.
This was disclosed by Dr Dele Alake, minister of Solid Minerals Development on Monday via his official X handle.
According to Dr Alake, a total of ₦6,957,826,200 was collected in fees, alongside the registration of 118 new private mineral buying centres.
The Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) also recorded a surge in activity during the period, processing 994 applications for various mining titles.
These included 651 applications for exploration licences, 270 for small-scale mining leases, 49 for quarry leases, and 24 for reconnaissance permits. Out of these, 872 licences were approved—comprising 512 exploration licences, 295 small-scale mining leases, 60 quarry leases, and 5 mining leases.
Dr Alake highlighted growing international interest and collaboration in Nigeria’s mining sector. The French government, under a bilateral agreement between President Bola Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron, has committed to equipping the laboratory of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and training young geologists in modern mining techniques.
Additionally, the Government of Western Australia has approved regular training programmes for Nigerian mining professionals, while investments from British and Saudi Arabian entities have further boosted the sector’s profile.
The Minister credited the success to the government’s value-addition policy, noting that it has improved local beneficiation processes and positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s mining landscape.
