NEWS
PoliticsClarification on Mineral Title Administration at the Mining Cadastre Office
By Marvelous | 17th Jul 2025 | 6:24 PM
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 17/07/2025
From: Accountability and Policy Monitoring Department
The Accountability and Policy Monitoring Department has observed recent reports alleging that the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) is issuing new mining titles over existing ones, creating conflicting claims across mineral zones.
We wish to clarify that this claim is inaccurate and not supported by the current operational framework of the MCO.
The agency operates a fully digitized platform the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) designed to eliminate overlaps, enforce legal compliance, and ensure that all mineral titles are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The system cross checks coordinates, validates documentation, and automatically rejects any conflicting or incomplete applications.
Under the leadership of Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, reappointed as Director General in January 2023, the MCO has introduced far-reaching reforms that have resulted in:
An 86% increase in revenue, with ₦8.9 billion generated between 2019 and 2021.
The revocation of over 4,000 dormant or non-compliant titles to sanitize the registry.
Recognition as Best Federal Government Agency in Digital Innovation (2022).
Any existing disputes over mining titles are often linked to legacy issues, community boundary conflicts, or inactive licenses not the result of current MCO processes.
The public is advised to rely on verified data and consult MCO’s open-access platform for accurate information. The agency remains committed to transparency, due process, and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mining sector.
For inquiries:
Accountability and Policy Monitoring Desk
07062250633, 08110949802
policymonitoringa@gmail.com
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