The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) of Nigeria has reported an impressive revenue generation of over ₦6.95 billion in the first quarter of 2025. This remarkable achievement has been attributed to a combination of strategic reforms, digital transformation, enhanced transparency, and a significant reduction in legal disputes.
In an interview, the Director-General of the MCO, Engineer Obadiah Simon-Nkom, highlighted that the revenue boost was largely driven by the implementation of sweeping reforms and the deployment of a fully digitized licensing platform known as EMC+, which has been operational since November 2022. According to him, EMC+ serves as the sole platform for all mineral title applications and transactions across the country.
“All mineral title applications are now submitted exclusively through the EMC+ system. It’s an entirely online platform that offers transparency, efficiency, and real-time access,” Simon-Nkom explained.
The digital transformation is part of a broader reform initiative aligned with the 7-point agenda of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake. The agenda focuses on curbing illegal mining, boosting investor confidence, and overhauling the sector to enhance efficiency and accountability.
“We are witnessing the practical implementation of a vision that is revolutionizing Nigeria’s mining sector,” the DG remarked.
Simon-Nkom further elaborated that the MCO has moved away from the previously used polygon-based licensing method and has adopted a modern, web-based electronic cadastre system. This new system allows for real-time tracking of every stage of the application process, significantly improving transparency and limiting the potential for human interference.
“What we see in Abuja is exactly what applicants see globally. This is part of our commitment to transparency,” he said.
The DG also revealed that the MCO is working closely with various regulatory and security agencies, including the ICPC, EFCC, DSS, NFIU, NEITI, and Civil Defence Corps, to maintain the integrity of the licensing process. He noted that the ICPC has cleared the office of any compliance violations and praised its digitization efforts. Furthermore, the NFIU considers agencies like the MCO crucial in Nigeria’s bid to exit the FATF Grey List.
Addressing the specifics of the revenue increase, Simon-Nkom explained that it stemmed from system-driven fees such as annual service charges, processing fees, late renewal penalties, and charges for search and certification services. Out of the 955 applications received in the first quarter, 651 were for exploration licenses—a reflection of the critical role exploration plays in mining project development.
“Our policy is clear: ‘Use it or lose it.’ Gone are the days of hoarding vast mineral-rich lands with no intention of development. If a site isn’t viable, surrender the title and move on,” he stated.
To further enhance fairness, the MCO has restructured its land fee system to align with the actual size of the land held. According to the DG, license holders are now required to pay fees that are proportional to the size of the land they occupy.
“If you’re holding 200 square kilometers, your fee must reflect that size. No more uniform charges for vastly different land areas,” he emphasized.
In Q1 2025, the MCO also processed 152 license modifications, which included mineral specification changes, land relinquishments, ownership transfers, and renewals. Simon-Nkom noted that these adjustments are part of a broader strategy to streamline the licensing process, support active mining operations, and eliminate speculators.
Additionally, he revealed that the agency is reviewing policies to enforce partial land relinquishment after the first renewal—an international best practice aimed at promoting land efficiency and giving serious investors better access.
Beyond digitization and policy reforms, the MCO has taken steps to decentralize operations by setting up zonal offices and playing a quasi-adjudicatory role in resolving land-related disputes and community issues. This approach has helped the agency minimize litigations and maintain smooth sector operations.
Proudly, Simon-Nkom noted that the MCO has a 100% success rate in litigation cases, attributing this to strict adherence to legal frameworks and robust conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Even when errors occur, we address them in accordance with the law, which is why most litigants eventually choose to settle amicably,” he concluded.
