FG receives N6.5bn mining fees, registers 118 buying centres

The Federal Government has collected N6.96 billion in mining fees and registered 118 new private mineral buying centres in the first quarter of this year.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, stated this at the second Annual Mining Conference organised by BusinessDay Media in Abuja, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts to raise awareness and attract investors.

According to Alake, the mining fees were collected from 955 applications for title grants, including exploration, small-scale mining, quarrying, and reconnaissance permits.

The Ministry approved 867 applications, generating revenue from various fees, including annual service fees and application processing fees.

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The Minister also noted the plans to establish the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, a special-purpose vehicle that will catapult Nigeria into the league of global mining players. The Corporation will be globally competitive, with Nigerians having the opportunity to invest through a public offer.

Alake highlighted the impact of international engagements, citing commitments from the French Government to equip the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency’s laboratory and train young geologists abroad. He also stated the partnerships with Western Australia, Britain, and Saudi Arabia to invest in Nigeria’s mining sector.

The Minister attributed the Mknistry’s success to its value addition policy, which had enhanced local beneficiation and positioned Nigeria as a leader in African mining countries. He announced plans to inaugurate lithium, bauxite, and gold refining plants this quarter.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.