News
Mining Sector: FG Revokes 1,633 Mineral Titles
Joel Ajayi
As part of its efforts to sanitize and reposition the solid mineral sector of the economy for international competitiveness, the Federal Government has wielded the big stick of revoking 1,633 minerals titles of defaulting mining companies.
The Minister for Solid Minerals Development Dr Oladele Alake made this announcement during the press conference on the revocation of defaulting mineral titles, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja.
Dr. Alake explained that the extant law governing mineral titles empowered the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to revoke the mineral titles of companies who refuse to give the government it’s due by failing to pay their annual service fee.
He said: ” it is indeed very unconscionable for corporate bodies making huge profits from mining to refuse to give the government it’s due by failing to pay their annual service fee.”
Quoting extensively from the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 ( NMMA Act 2007) the Minister stated that section 10 subsection b of the Act provides for the payment of the Annual Service Fee by mining companies, which is a fee established at a fixed rate per square cadastral unit for administrative and management services rendered by the Mining Cadastre Office ( an agency of the Ministry).
Elaborating further Dr Alake submitted that ” the amount the companies are being asked to pay is a peanut compared to their own revenue projections. For example, the holder of an exploraton title pays only N1,500 per cadastral unit not exceeding 200 units. Those holding titles covering more than 200 units pay N2,000 per unit”.
In short, the larger the area your title covers the more you pay. This principle was applied to ensure that applicants don’t hold more than they require to explore. With a cadastral unit captured as a square of 500metres by 500 metres, any law- abiding title holder should not hesitate to perform it’s obligations”‘, the Minister emphasized.
On whether adequate notice was given to the defaulting mining companies, the Minister explained that aside the administrative alert signal received by mineral title holder for payment as at when due, the Mining Cadastre Office has also issued a 30- day notice in compliance to section 14 of the NMMA Act 2007.
” The mandatory 30 days expired on November 10 2023. Only 580 title holders responded by settling their indebtedness. With this development, the Mining Cadastre Office ( 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 ”, the Minister asserted.
Riding on this, Dr Alake emphatically declared: ”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 cadastre 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”.
The revocation is imperative to free up space for serious investors and to shore up the revenue to the government, the Minister stated.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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