When President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, he pledged to diversify Nigeria’s economy and elevate its global standing. A critical component of this agenda is the revitalisation of the solid minerals sector. Despite Nigeria’s endowment with 44 commercially viable minerals, including seven critical for the global energy transition, the sector’s contribution to
NMCO Chief Honoured for Boosting Mining Sector Growth
The Director-General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office (NMCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, expressed his gratitude and commitment after receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The award, presented in Abuja, recognised his significant contributions to Nigeria’s mining sector growth. During his remarks, Nkom stressed that no nation can
Mining Governance in Nigeria: 2024 Insights
The Nigerian mining sector has long been heralded as a cornerstone for economic diversification. As the nation shifts from its heavy reliance on oil, mining laws and regulations have become critical in shaping the trajectory of this burgeoning sector. In 2024, significant legislative and regulatory measures played a pivotal role in fostering growth, addressing challenges,
COMEG’s Innovations Applauded for Boosting Nigeria’s Mineral Resources Sector
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has applauded the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) for its efforts in sanitising the mining sector. Speaking at the 14th induction ceremony of 143 individual members and 20 corporate members in Abuja, Alake praised the council’s initiatives in strengthening professionalism and regulation within
Importance of Solid Minerals: Ministries Boost Staff Welfare
The Ministries of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) and Steel Development (MSD) recently convened a joint Town Hall Staff Meeting at their headquarters in Abuja to strengthen team performance, enhance collaboration, and address staff welfare. The event also underscored the importance of solid minerals in driving Nigeria’s economic development while focusing on practical strategies to resolve
Zamfara Miners Urge Hajia Shinkafi to Boost Job Creation in Solid Minerals Sector
The Zamfara State chapter of the Association of Small Scale Miners of Nigeria has tasked Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi, the re-appointed Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund and Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), with job creation Daily Post Reports . The association stated that her appointment should further consolidate, deepen, and strengthen the
House of Reps Seek Boost in Lithium Mining
The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to prioritise lithium production as a key driver of revenue generation. This followed a motion raised by Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP-Rivers) during a plenary session in Abuja. Vanguard reports that Obuzor lamented the underdevelopment of Nigeria’s mining sector, despite its abundant resources.
MIREMCO Faces Federal Government Sanctions
The Federal Government has given the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) 90 days to improve its performance or face sanctions. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, made the announcement at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MIREMCO Chairmen, expressing dissatisfaction with the committee’s execution of its mandate. Dr Alake
Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office Calls for Sector Reforms as 7,000 Licences Yield Less Than 1,000 Active Mines
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has reported issuing approximately 7,000 mining licences, while fewer than 1,000 mines remain active. Director General of NMCO, Obadiah Nkom, revealed this information on Tuesday during a visit from the House Committee on Solid Minerals, led by Chairman Jonathan Gaza, at the NMCO office in Abuja. NMCO, operating under
FG Declines Proposal for Mines Ranger Service, Strengthens Existing Mining Surveillance
The Federal Government has declined a proposal to create the Nigeria Mines Ranger Service (NMRS), which was aimed at addressing illegal and artisanal mining. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), several government ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development, Justice, and Interior, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil