…Alake defends action, says “notices were issued to 963 mining licensees, 39 regularized their status”

Temitayo Ayoola

The Nigerian Government has revoked a total of 924 dormant mining licenses, consisting of 528 Exploration Licenses (ELs), 20 Mining Licences (MLs), 101 Quarrying Licenses (QLs), and 273 Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSMLs), through the official Gazette, as part of move to overhaul the mining sector.

Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this revocation notice in a statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Wednesday.

According to him, adequate notice was given to 963 licensees through the official Gazette, inviting them to regularize their status, and 39 licensees responded positively by taking the necessary steps to comply with the due process and fair consideration requirements.

He said, “The revoked licenses include 528 exploration licenses, 20 mining leases, 101 quarry licenses, and 273 Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSML).

“This decision follows due process and fair consideration, reflecting the commitment of the Federal Government to the “Use it or Lose it” policy.

Alake therefore emphasised that interested investors worldwide can now apply for the affected Cadastral Units on a “first come, first served” basis.

He said, “I believe this move will help clean up the licensing system and deter those who misuse opportunities in the sector.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development noted that going forward, the Federal Government will crack down on license racketeering and speculative practices while encouraging serious investors to create job opportunities in the country.