Tech Meets Mining: Digitization Drives Massive ₦6.95bn Revenue Surge In Just Three Months

ABUJA – The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has announced that it generated over ₦6.95 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025, crediting the remarkable achievement to digital reforms, improved transparency, and a significant reduction in legal disputes.

Director-General of the MCO, Engineer Obadiah Simon-Nkom, revealed in an interview that this performance was made possible through far-reaching reforms and the adoption of digital tools and strategic licensing policies under his leadership.

A key driver of this progress, he explained, is the fully digitized licensing platform, EMC+, launched in November 2022. This platform now serves as the sole channel for all mineral title applications and transactions nationwide, streamlining processes and boosting revenue.

“All applications go through the EMC+ system, which is entirely online—transparent, efficient, and real-time,” Simon-Nkom stated.

He emphasized that the reforms align with the 7-point agenda of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, which aims to combat illegal mining, restore investor confidence, and clean up the sector.

“We are no longer dreaming—we are seeing real transformation in Nigeria’s mining industry,” he remarked.

The DG also announced the replacement of the outdated polygon-based licensing model with a sophisticated, web-based electronic cadastre system that allows global access and full traceability throughout the application process. This shift, he noted, has curbed manipulation and increased transparency.

“What happens in Abuja can now be viewed from anywhere in the world,” he said, noting that the MCO works closely with institutions such as the ICPC, EFCC, DSS, NFIU, NEITI, and Civil Defence.

He added that the ICPC recently cleared the MCO of compliance concerns and praised its digital innovation, while the NFIU recognized the agency as crucial in helping Nigeria exit the FATF Grey List.

On revenue generation, Simon-Nkom attributed the growth to a system-governed fee structure, including annual service charges, processing fees, late renewal penalties, and search/certification costs.

He disclosed that out of 955 applications received in Q1, 651 were for exploration licenses—a reflection of exploration’s foundational role in mining development.

“We maintain the ‘Use it or lose it’ principle. We’re ending the era of hoarding mineral-rich lands. If a deposit isn’t viable, surrender the license,” he warned.

Simon-Nkom also revealed that license fees have been recalibrated to reflect land size, eliminating flat-rate fees and ensuring that larger holdings attract higher charges.

“You can no longer pay the same for 200 square kilometers as someone holding 20. Fees are now proportionate,” he explained.

Furthermore, the MCO processed 152 license modifications in Q1—including mineral type changes, transfers, renewals, and relinquishments—as part of efforts to promote active mining and deter speculators.

He also mentioned that Nigeria is aligning with global standards by reviewing policies that require partial land relinquishment after the first license renewal, a strategy to promote access for genuine investors.

To decentralize operations, the MCO has established zonal offices and taken on a quasi-adjudicatory role in resolving land and community-related disputes. These interventions have reduced litigation risks and helped maintain stability in the sector.

“We’ve achieved a 100% success rate in litigation due to our strict legal compliance and proactive conflict resolution,” Simon-Nkom said.

“Even when errors occur, we resolve them within the bounds of the law, which often encourages out-of-court settlements,” he concluded.