The federal government has revealed its intention to raise the rates of mining licenses and other fees payable by mining operators in Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance the mining sector’s capacity.
During a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, highlighted the necessity of the review to revitalize the mining sector effectively.
In a statement by Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media, Alake discussed ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at sanitizing the mining environment, including the deployment of mining marshals to combat illegal mining activities.
Alake sought the support of stakeholders for the proposed increase in fees, emphasizing its importance in providing a conducive environment for mining operations and generating more revenue for the government.
The minister assured stakeholders that the recent revocation of dormant mining licenses followed due process, with a 30-day window for affected operators to address the situation.
The Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, who chaired the fees review committee, noted that the recommended new rates aim to enhance the competitiveness of the mining sector’s fiscal regime in comparison with global standards.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, lauded the minister’s efforts to elevate the mining sector’s profile and expressed support for ongoing reforms and the proposed fee review.
He urged the minister to consider the challenges faced by miners and ensure that the revised rates remain affordable.
The meeting also had representatives from Women In Mining (WIN), Gemstone Miners Association (GMA), top ministry officials, and other stakeholders in attendance.
