MAN asks affected members to submit memo on revocation of over 4,000 mining licenses

January 18, 2026

*Photo: President of Miners Association of Nigeria, Chief Dele Ayanleke*

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has asked its affected
members to submit position papers to the House of Representative Committee on Solid Minerals regarding the revocations of over 4,000 Mining Licenses from 2023 to date.

MAN made the call in a statement by its President, Chief Dele Ayankeke, sequel to a letter from the House of Representative.

Rt. Hon (ESV) Gaza Jonathan
Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, had in a letter, dated 13th January, 2026, addressed to the MAN President asked for the position papers.

In the letter titled
REQUEST FOR ASSOCIATION’S POSITION AND COMPANY-BY-COMPANY DETAILS OF REVOKED MINERAL TITLES, Hon Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi stated that:

”Pursuant to Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and sequel to the House of Representative Resolution mandating the above Committee of the House on Thursday 4th, December, 2025 to investigate a Motion on Revocation of over 4,000 Mining Licenses from 2023 to Date. (HR.139/12/2025).

”In light of the foregoing, we kindly request you furnish us with the following documents and information;
The official position of the Miners Association of Nigeria on the revocation of mineral titles.
”A company-by-company list of all mineral licences held by members of the Association that have been revoked, clearly stating the type of licence, mineral commodity, location, and date of revocation, where applicable.

”Any observations, representations, or concerns the Association may wish to formally place on record regarding the revocations.
Furthermore, we kindly request that the Association inform all affected members to make individual written submissions to the Office of the Chairman in Suite 3.84, House of Representatives Wing, National Assembly Complex, on or before Thursday 22nd January, 2026 providing relevant details and supporting documentation relating to their respective licences.
For further information, contact the Committee Clerk on 08036185597.”

Ayanleke, while calling on the affected members of MAN to act said “Above is for the attention and immediate response of all our members affected by the subject-matter therein.

“Kindly comply accordingly and copy the National Secretariat of the Association on/before Monday, 19th January, 2026.”

FG prohibits sand mining around River Niger bridges

Kayode

January 17, 2026

By Ikenna Obianeri

The Federal Government has prohibited sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger bridges.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Friday in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television monitoring centre.

Umahi said the ban was approved by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to safeguard critical federal infrastructure across the country.

He directed the Delta State Police Command to enforce the ban and arrest offenders.

The minister also said tolling on the Second Niger Bridge would not commence until all access roads on the Anambra and Delta sides of the bridge are completed.

Umahi said, “The commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge CCTV monitoring centre means there will be no security checkpoints on the Federal highway. Security operatives will be monitoring the highway through the CCTV cameras and ensure swift and rapid response to security emergency along the road.

‎”The tollgate is ready, but we won’t start tolling on the road until we complete the access roads and bypass roads that lead to the bridge.

“The idea is that there will be no security checkpoints on the road, police and other security agencies will be at the CCTV monitoring centre and provide rapid response to emergencies within five minutes.”

Speaking at the event, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for completing the Second Niger Bridge, describing it as a project with significant socio-economic benefits.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Igwe of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka, said the opening of the bridge had eased traffic congestion on the old Niger Bridge, especially during the yuletide.

He expressed confidence that the installation of security cameras would further boost the safety of commuters and called for the speedy completion of the access roads to the bridge.
NAN

Both federal, Oyo state govt secretive about multi-billion support while explosion victims suffer over last 2 years, says Chairman of Bodija Residents Association

Kayode

January 16, 2026

*Pastor Bamgbose

Two years after explosives stockpiled by a mining firm at a Bodija residence blew up and destroyed the community, Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman of Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) told TheMiners government has not done well with the survivors of the incident. Excerpts:

Q: It is two years since the unfortunate explosion at Bodija. How are you marking the occasion?
Ans: The Christians will go to church for a special anniversary service while the Muslims will got to the mosque to thank God for sparing our lives and for the restoration for some people. You know some people have been able to move forward. At least, there has been some sort of support from the government. Even though this is not enough, achievement is not a destination but a journey. Many people have been able to restore their lives. So we have every reason to be grateful to God.
Q: Thanks. A visit to the scene of the impact showed that the community is not yet fully restored and the impact of the explosion is still visible all over the area. What it really the status of the restoration effort?
A: That is why I used the language that it is a journey. Some of our people have moved back and are able to stay in their houses now, even though it might not be as it was before the explosion. We are still hopeful that there would be other supports that would enable the affected residents to fully reclaim their lives back. We are still appealing for more support from government so that everyone affected could really be comfortable. We would really love to see a transformation of the area for the better instead of mere restoration. In Yoruba parlance, we would like to see a situation of ‘Ile Oba to Jo…’ instead of ‘Oju apa ko Jo oju Ara.’
Q: There has been complaints that not all those affected by the explosion have received some form of support or the other from government. What is stopping some survivors from getting the support they need. We are talking of two years after the incident?
A: You see, for the families of those who lost their lives we are appealing that they would remove all forms of bureaucracy. The people at the Ministry of Justice, for instance, are talking about tax. Inheritance Tax and such. We are saying this is not about inheritance. This is about support for victims of an accident. If government is providing some succor for the living, that is something that anybody should be talking of tax. We have asked the governor to intervene, although you know as they say the law is an ass. It allows for rules and procedure without room for empathy. Yes, there is need to arrange property tax when someone dies. But these people were killed and in their prime in most cases. These people should still be working and earning to put their children through school. So, those kinds of family should receive the maximum support from government. So, it is up to the Governor to tell the civil servants to waive the rules so that those who still needed help could get it.
There is also the group of people whose houses are deemed to be beyond the 500meters away from the site of the explosion and they are saying these people cannot benefit. But our position is that once it is confirmed their buildings suffered from the explosion, then they ought to benefit from the support. We should not be talking of far or near so long as we know it was the explosion that damaged their building. We are of the view that with compassion, all those affected would be supported.
Q: Can you share with us the kind of support people have received from government and how this support was structured?
A: The damages to every building was valued and the houses were also assessed, if it is bungalow or duplex and such. It is those kind of parameters that were used. However, I have heard some tenants complain that what they gave to landlords is more than what they gave to them. But the truth is that you cannot quantify the damages suffered by a tenant the same way as that of a landlord. So, there is a cap to how much a tenant could get. You know, this is merely support and not compensation. You know it was possible to track and assess damages to buildings using GIS and other tools, but is difficult to assess what was inside those buildings, eg types of TV sets, refrigerators etc. I know the treatment might not be fair to some tenants, but it is really difficult to push for them without evidence of what was destroyed in the buildings.
Q: How involved was your association in the process of determining who gets what?
A: We were fully involved. We invited professionals to conduct the assessment. The Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Quantity Surveyors, the Architects, the GIS people to track the thing from space. So, it was professionals who put figures to the damages. We just facilitated their work. We provided them with office space and support to carry out the assignment. It was their report that we presented to government, although government also did its own due diligence. But I can tell you that our report was so detailed that no one could fault it.
Q: Recently, the tragedy became a focus for politics when former Ekiti State Government announced that the federal government released N50b to the Oyo State Government to support victims of the explosion. Of course, the Oyo State Government said it only got ₦30b. Now was your association aware of this Federal Government grant to Oyo State?
A: We got information that the Federal Government sent money to Oyo State and we wrote a letter to the Federal Government asking how much money was send. Nobody was willing to tell us anything. We were in the dark until the Fayose revelation. I can state that from inception those who sent the money from Abuja or were behind the sent money were themselves not straightforward. We have a situation where the people who sent money did not talk and the people who received money also refused to talk. One can only guess at the reason why there is such secrecy around the money.
But the impression we got from the Oyo State Government was that there was no money to meet the needs of the victims of the explosion. It was in that spirit that we engaged in discussion with them. That there was no money and we should just push to recover the barest minimum.
We can only say it is a good thing that the fight erupted and now we know there is actually money. We are of course not interested in the politics. For our members, the response we have receive is one of relief that, ha, so now there is money. Now what we are saying is please help our people some more and let us extend the support to that who are still waiting for help. That is our attitude to the whole thing.
Q: The Oyo State Government also said they spent money to build good roads at Bodija and we can see that this is true. Are you satisfied?
A: Our governor in Oyo State is working very hard. You can see work all across the state, within in Ibadan and other places. Look at the road to Iseyin, for instance. So, I wouldn’t say the repair of roads in Bodija has anything to do with blast. Let us just say road development is part of the good governance actions of the present government. By our reasoning, the last thing a blast would destroy in an area would be the roads. So Bodija roads really didn’t suffer damages from the blast. It was the buildings and people and property in those buildings that suffered. I think the governor is working everywhere and that includes at Bodija.
Let me also say that we are not asking for the whole money. We don’t need all of it. But where we found justification for extending support to those who need it, then they must get this support. I mean people were living in their own houses when the blast from the stored explosives brought down the houses. A lot of people died. Such people deserves the sympathy of government.
Q: What is the status of the trial of those arrested in connection with the explosion. I mean the owners of the explosives that caused the blast?
A: We are happy the Oyo State Attorney General has taken over the case from the police. Let me restate here that the Bodija Residents Association is interested in the case. We are ready to support and join the government of Oyo State in prosecuting those people. We have shared some forensic evidence with the Attorney General and we already to offer more support if needed. We are determined to ensure that those people do not go scot free as deterrent to people who might want to do such things in the future.

Ghana cancels long-term mining agreements as gold prices soar

onlineeditor01

January 16, 2026

Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer
has launched a major overhaul of its mining sector, by moving to cancel and phase out long-term investment stability and development agreements.

Government of the West African country says the reforms aim to capture greater state revenue from record-high gold prices.

The government is scrapping “stability agreements” that traditionally locked in tax and royalty rates for 5 to 15 years. Existing deals for major miners like AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields will be allowed to expire by 2027, while Newmont’s agreement, which lapsed in December 2025, will not be renewed.

A new sliding scale royalty system is also being introduced. Rates, previously between 3% and 5%, could double to as high as 12% if gold prices continue to rise.

Key Factors Influencing Price are:
• Safe Haven: Gold’s price rises during geopolitical tensions and economic instability, acting as a hedge.
• Inflation/Debt: Concerns about rising global debt and inflation often push gold prices higher.
• Market Sentiment: Investor demand as a safe asset drives significant price movements.

Ghana is equally drafting new regulations to reduce the maximum term of a mining lease from 30 years to 15 years.

The long-term deals are being eliminated entirely due to allegations of abuse, with the regulator claiming some companies used local revenues to expand abroad while failing to meet domestic financial obligations.

Recent Major Cancellations
• $1.2 Billion Bauxite Lease: In mid-2025, the government canceled a major bauxite lease with the domestic firm Rocksure International at the Nyinahin Hills site, citing a lack of parliamentary ratification.
• Small-Scale Mining Licenses: The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources revoked 278 small-scale mining licenses in late 2025 due to regulatory breaches and environmental concerns.
• Forest Reserve Mining: In December 2025, Ghana banned mining in forest reserves to protect water sources and farmlands, effectively repealing 2022 regulations that had opened these areas to extraction.

These actions follow a trend of resource nationalism across Africa. “Ghana seeks to leverage its position as the continent’s top gold producer to ensure its citizens benefit more directly from surging bullion prices,” says an analyst. Significantly , the government established a Gold Board in early 2025 to centralize the purchase and export of gold from small-scale miners.

Tinubu invites foreign investors to partner in Nigeria’s lithium and critical minerals sector

onlineeditor01

January 13, 2026

*Photo: President Bola Tinubu*

President Bola Tinubu has
invited foreign investors to partner in Nigeria’s lithium and critical minerals sector, stressing that the government prioritises local processing and value addition.

He gave the invitation on Tuesday, at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), on the sidelines of which Nigeria concluded a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to deepen trade and cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital trade.

President Tinubu said Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms are producing tangible results, including a 21 per cent growth in non-oil exports.

”These reforms, alongside wider fiscal and monetary measures, are delivering results. Non-oil exports have grown by 21 per cent, supported by a more diversified product base. Capital importation has risen, and Nigeria now has over 50 billion dollars in investment commitments across key sectors.

”We are ready to work with partners across the world to ensure that the next era of development is not only green and inclusive, but just and enduring,” he said.

The president announced that Nigeria will, in February, in Lagos, co-host with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Investopia,
an initiative aimed at attracting global investors and accelerating sustainable investment inflows.

Present at the signing of the CEPA with the UAE were President Tinubu, President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

President Tinubu described CEPA as a historic and strategic agreement that will also enhance cooperation in aviation, logistics, agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure, creating enduring opportunities for the people of the two countries.

He stated that Investopia will bring together investors, innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to transform opportunities into commitment and ideas into investment.

”We warmly invite our partners to join us and help build the next chapter of sustainable and shared prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and the world, ” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu told the Summit that Nigeria aims to mobilise up to $30 billion annually in climate and green industrial finance as it accelerates energy transition reforms and expands nationwide electricity access.

”The foundation of every modern economy is electricity. As an emerging economy in the Global South, we understand the delicate balance between industrialisation and decarbonisation, ensuring neither is pursued at the expense of the other.

”We are calling for a fundamental shift in the global financial architecture: a move away from the restrictive requirement of sovereign guarantees, which unfairly penalise developing economies.

”Instead, the focus should be on blended finance and first-loss capital mechanisms that allow private sustainable capital flows directly into our green projects without further straining national balance sheets,” he said.

According to President Tinubu, Nigeria has strengthened its climate governance framework with the adoption of a National Carbon Market Activation Policy and the launch of a National Carbon Registry.

He explained that these measures are aimed at improving transparency and investor confidence.

President Tinubu highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a central pillar of Nigeria’s energy reforms, noting that it enables decentralised power generation and distribution to underserved communities.

He added that Nigeria’s climate investment drive includes a $500 million distributed renewable energy fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, as well as a $750 million World Bank programme expected to expand clean electricity access to more than 17.5 million people.

President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s target of net-zero emissions by 2060, under its Energy Transition Plan, while pursuing industrial growth and universal energy access.

Ministry of Solid Minerals, DSS Intercept 7 trucks ferrying suspected illegally mined lithium in Kwara

Kayode

January 13, 2026

In a joint intelligence-led operation, the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, has intercepted seven trucks suspected of illegally transporting lithium ore within the region.

The Zonal Mine Officer for the South-West, Ganiyu Ajibade, revealed that the arrest followed intelligence received on Thursday, 8th January 2026, indicating that a convoy of 12 trucks had been mobilised to remove lithium ore from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State.

Ajibade said the Ministry then engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and DSS in Oyo State, and directed his colleagues in Kwara and Ogun to mobilise their surveillance teams to monitor and track the movement of the trucks.

He said the operation revealed that the convoy departed Saki at 11:30 PM on 8th January, reached Igbeti early Friday morning, and continued towards Ilorin, Kwara State by 7:00 PM.

Seven trucks were then apprehended between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM along the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara, adding that one of the drivers escaped, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were taken into custody.

Upon questioning, the arrested drivers were said to have admitted they were hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore, and that their operations were accompanied by a mine marshal personnel in Abuja.

All accompanying documents issued at the mining site were recovered during the arrest, according to the statement.

Engineer Ajibade stressed that the operation reflected the directives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who has maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining.

He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and warned that enforcement against illegal mining and mineral theft will be intensified across the country

Gold, Lithium Plants Position Nigeria as Africa’s Minerals Supply Hub – Alake

onlineeditor01

January 13, 2026

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has affirmed that the establishment of lithium processing and gold refining plants across Nigeria is positioning the country as Africa’s leading minerals hub and a critical global partner in minerals essential for the transition to green energy.

Dr. Alake made this assertion at a meeting with the the Saudi Arabian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to Dr Alake, Nigeria’s value-addition policy is already yielding tangible results, with a gold refining plant of very high purity now operational in Lagos, three additional gold refineries at various stages of development, and a $600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State ready for commissioning.

He commended Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in expanding opportunities for collaboration among governments across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe through the Future Minerals Forum, stressing that Nigeria is eager to deepen its partnership with the Kingdom by leveraging on areas of comparative advantage in solid minerals development.

“There are areas of comparative advantage where Saudi Arabia excels and others where Nigeria has strengths. We are keen on structuring agreements that will enable us engage meaningfully and constructively. Priority areas include capacity building, training of mining professionals, technology transfer, and particularly exploration, where Saudi Arabia has demonstrated some expertise,” Dr. Alake stated.

He further noted that Nigeria’s vast landmass is endowed with abundant critical minerals and rare earth elements required by the global economy, underscoring the importance of leveraging the FMF platform to fine-tune actionable partnerships based on fairness equity and mutual benefit.

Recalling engagements following the FMF 2025, Dr. Alake revealed that a joint working group comprising the Nigerian delegation and the Saudi Chamber of Commerce has been active over the past year, adding that its report is ready and will be presented before the close of the current forum.

The Minister also highlighted mineral traceability, Environmental, Social and Governance standards (ESG),and mine-pit remediation as priority areas requiring collaboration. He emphasized that mineral traceability boosts investor confidence and should form a core component of any partnership, alongside clear implementation timelines and robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

In his remarks, Minister Al-Khorayef reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a longstanding ally of Saudi Arabia and agreed on the need for a practical and actionable agreement on solid minerals development. He proposed that the working group develop a draft MOU based on previous engagements for possible signing on the sidelines of the conference.

He also urged Nigeria to leverage the FMF platform to showcase investment opportunities in its mining sector to Saudi investors, while encouraging African countries to adopt advanced technologies in mining development, noting that Nigeria could benefit from Saudi Arabia’s progress in this area.

A Call for the differentiation of Calcite as a Distinct Mineral in the Federal Government Gazette for Licensing Processing and Royalties Payment in Nigeria: Akoko-Edo as a Case Study

Kayode

January 13, 2026

By Engr Fatai Jimoh

Abstract
The Nigerian mining sector operates under a mineral classification framework that groups calcite within broader carbonate categories such as limestone, marble, and dolomite. While geologically related, these minerals differ significantly in purity, industrial application, processing requirements, and economic value. The absence of calcite as a distinct mineral category in the Federal Government Gazette has created regulatory ambiguity, misclassification in licensing, and inequitable royalty assessments.

This paper makes a strong policy and technical case for the formal differentiation of calcite as an independent mineral in Nigeria’s mining regulatory framework, using Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. Drawing on geological, geochemical, industrial, and fiscal perspectives, the study demonstrates that recognizing calcite as a distinct mineral will enhance regulatory clarity, promote appropriate beneficiation, improve revenue generation, and support sustainable development of Nigeria’s industrial minerals sector.

Keywords: Calcite, Akoko-Edo, Federal Government Gazette, mineral classification, royalties, licensing, Nigeria, industrial minerals.

1. Introduction
Nigeria is endowed with abundant industrial minerals, including limestone, marble, dolomite, gypsum, barite, and various carbonate-rich formations. These minerals form the backbone of key industries such as cement manufacture, construction, metallurgy, agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, despite this diversity, Nigeria’s mineral classification and regulatory framework, as reflected in the Federal Government Gazette and administered by the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), does not explicitly recognize calcite as a distinct mineral.

Calcite (CaCO₃) is often subsumed under limestone or marble in licensing, reporting, and royalty assessment. This practice overlooks the unique geological occurrence, chemical purity, industrial relevance, and market value of calcite. In several parts of Nigeria, including Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, calcite occurs as veins, lenses, and high-purity carbonate bodies that are geochemically and texturally distinct from typical limestone and marble units.

This paper argues that the continued lumping of calcite under generic carbonate categories undermines effective resource governance. It calls for the formal differentiation of calcite as a new mineral in the Federal Government Gazette for licensing processing and royalty payment purposes, using Akoko-Edo as an illustrative case.

2. Geological and Mineralogical Context of Akoko-Edo
Akoko-Edo LGA lies within the Precambrian Basement Complex of southwestern Nigeria. The area is characterized by migmatite-gneiss complexes, schists, quartzites, and localized carbonate bodies. Previous geological studies and field investigations have established that Akoko-Edo does not host extensive marble deposits in the classical sense but rather contains calcitic and dolomitic carbonate occurrences, often in association with schist belts and gneissic terrains.

These carbonate bodies display varying degrees of recrystallization. In many locations, the dominant mineral phase is calcite, occurring as: – Coarse crystalline veins within schists and gneisses, – Massive calcitic lenses, – Weakly metamorphosed calcitic limestones.

Geochemical analyses from the area show high CaO content, low MgO levels, and relatively low silica and alumina impurities in several samples, clearly pointing to calcite-rich compositions rather than true marble or dolomite. This mineralogical reality is critical for both industrial utilization and regulatory classification.

3. Calcite: Mineralogical Identity and Industrial Significance
Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate mineral with a wide range of industrial applications. While limestone and marble are rocks that may contain calcite, calcite itself is a mineral phase that can occur in high purity. Its industrial uses include:
Pharmaceuticals: as an excipient and calcium supplement.
Paints and Coatings: as a filler and pigment extender.
Plastics and Rubber: as a functional filler to improve mechanical properties.
Paper Industry: for coating and brightness enhancement.
Glass and Ceramics: as a flux.
Agriculture: as soil conditioner and animal feed additive.
Chemical Industry: in the production of calcium compounds.

These applications demand specific chemical purity and particle size distribution that are not always achievable from generic limestone or marble sources. High-purity calcite deposits, such as those identified in parts of Akoko-Edo, therefore possess distinct economic value and processing requirements.

4. Limitations of the Current Regulatory Classification
Under the current Nigerian mineral title administration framework, applicants seeking licenses for calcite-rich deposits are compelled to apply under categories such as limestone, marble, or dolomite. This practice creates several challenges:
Misclassification of Resources: Calcite deposits are treated as limestone or marble, leading to inaccurate geological records.
Inappropriate Licensing Conditions: Technical and financial requirements designed for large-scale limestone or marble operations are imposed on calcite projects, discouraging small and medium-scale investors.
Distorted Royalty Regime: Royalties are assessed based on broad categories, not reflecting the true market value or industrial use of calcite.
Weak Policy Planning: Government planning for beneficiation, value addition, and industrial clustering becomes ineffective when mineral data is aggregated under incorrect categories.

In Akoko-Edo, operators exploiting calcite-rich bodies for industrial fillers or aggregates are often registered as limestone or marble miners, even when the deposit does not meet the geological or industrial definition of those rocks. This situation undermines regulatory precision and investor confidence.

5. Akoko-Edo as a Case Study for Calcite Differentiation
Akoko-Edo provides a compelling case for the differentiation of calcite as a distinct mineral in Nigeria’s regulatory framework. Key observations include:
The area hosts calcitic carbonate bodies without extensive marble-grade recrystallization.
Many occurrences are vein calcite and massive calcite lenses, not true limestone beds.
The chemical composition of several samples indicates high CaO and low MgO, consistent with calcite dominance.

Local operators utilize these materials mainly as aggregates, fillers, and industrial raw materials, not as dimension stone marble.
Classifying these deposits as marble is geologically incorrect, while classifying them as limestone may misrepresent their structural and textural characteristics.

Recognizing them as calcite deposits would align geological reality with regulatory practice.

6. Economic and Fiscal Implications of Calcite Differentiation
Differentiating calcite as a distinct mineral in the Federal Government Gazette has important economic and fiscal benefits:
6.1 Improved Royalty Assessment
Royalty rates can be more accurately aligned with the actual value chain of calcite, rather than applying generic limestone or marble rates. This promotes fairness to operators and improves government revenue transparency.
6.2 Enhanced Investment Attraction
Clear recognition of calcite will attract investors in pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics, and specialty chemicals who specifically seek high-purity calcite sources.
6.3 Promotion of Value Addition
Policy incentives can be tailored for calcite beneficiation, including grinding, micronization, and chemical processing, thereby promoting local industrialization and job creation.
6.4 Strengthened Data for National Planning
Accurate mineral classification improves national mineral inventory data, enabling better planning for industrial mineral hubs and infrastructure development.

7. Legal and Regulatory Framework: Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007) and Implications for Calcite Differentiation
The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (as amended) provides the statutory foundation for mineral ownership, licensing, royalties, and regulatory control in Nigeria.

Although the Act does not explicitly list every mineral by name, several sections empower the Federal Government to classify, regulate, and impose royalties on minerals as may be prescribed by regulation or Gazette.

Section 1(1) of the Act vests the entire ownership and control of all mineral resources in, under, or upon any land in Nigeria in the Federal Government. This establishes the legal authority of the Government to define, classify, and reclassify minerals in line with national interest.

Section 4 empowers the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to make regulations for the effective implementation of the Act. This includes the authority to prescribe procedures, classifications, and operational guidelines for different minerals. Under this provision, the Minister can lawfully introduce calcite as a distinct mineral category through subsidiary legislation and Gazette publication.

Section 5 establishes the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) and mandates it to administer mineral titles in a transparent and efficient manner. Proper administration presupposes accurate mineral identification. The current subsumption of calcite under limestone or marble contradicts the spirit of this section, as it undermines precision in title administration.

Section 90 of the Act provides for the payment of royalties on minerals obtained in Nigeria at rates prescribed by regulation. The Minerals and Mining Regulations, made pursuant to this section, rely on mineral categories for royalty assessment. Differentiating calcite will enable the prescription of an appropriate royalty rate reflective of its industrial value chain, rather than forcing it into unsuitable limestone or marble brackets.

Section 100 further empowers the Minister to make regulations for environmental protection, safety, and health in mining operations. Recognizing calcite as a distinct mineral will allow for tailored environmental and processing guidelines, particularly for micronization, chemical processing, and industrial filler production.

In addition, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011 reinforce the Minister’s powers to issue guidelines and schedules relating to specific minerals. The Federal Government Gazette, which operationalizes these regulations, is therefore the appropriate legal instrument for introducing calcite as a separate mineral category.

From a legal standpoint, there is no barrier to the differentiation of calcite. On the contrary, the Act and Regulations clearly provide the enabling framework. What is required is administrative action and policy will.

8. Policy and Regulatory Justification for Gazette Differentiation
The Federal Government Gazette serves as the authoritative reference for mineral listing, licensing, and regulatory control. Including calcite as a distinct mineral will:
Provide legal clarity for licensing processing.
Reduce regulatory disputes and misinterpretation.
Enable specialized guidelines for calcite exploration and exploitation.
Support evidence-based royalty and tax policy formulation.
From a governance perspective, it aligns with international best practices where calcite is recognized as an industrial mineral in its own right.

8. Implications for Engineering and Industrial Applications
For engineers and industrial users, mineral differentiation is not merely academic. The performance of calcite in concrete fillers, asphalt, plastics, paints, and chemicals differs markedly from dolomite or impure limestone. Recognizing calcite as a distinct mineral ensures:
Proper material selection in engineering design.
Improved quality control in manufacturing processes.
Reduced risk of product failure due to inappropriate raw material substitution.
In Akoko-Edo, this will allow industries to source calcite-based materials with confidence, knowing that the regulatory framework supports their specific technical requirements.

9. Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that calcite occurs in economically significant and geologically distinct forms in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State. The continued subsumption of calcite under limestone or marble in Nigeria’s Federal Government Gazette is scientifically inaccurate and administratively inefficient. There is a compelling case for the formal differentiation of calcite as a new mineral category for licensing processing and royalty payment in Nigeria.

Such differentiation will enhance regulatory clarity, promote appropriate industrial utilization, improve revenue generation, and support sustainable development of Nigeria’s industrial minerals sector. Akoko-Edo stands as a clear example of why this reform is both necessary and urgent.

10. Recommendations
Immediate Inclusion of Calcite in the Federal Government Gazette: The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development should list calcite as a distinct mineral category.
Revision of Licensing Guidelines: The Mining Cadastre Office should develop specific licensing templates for calcite exploration and mining.
Royalty Structure Review: Royalty rates should be reviewed to reflect the unique industrial value of calcite.
Geological Re-mapping of Akoko-Edo: Detailed mapping and geochemical studies should be conducted to delineate calcite deposits accurately.
Stakeholder Sensitization: Regulators, investors, and local operators should be educated on the distinction between calcite, limestone, marble, and dolomite.
Promotion of Beneficiation Plants: Government should encourage the establishment of calcite processing and micronization plants in Edo State.

References
Adeleye, D.R. (1976). The geology of the Precambrian basement complex of southwestern Nigeria. Geological Survey of Nigeria.
Boynton, R.S. (1980). Chemistry and Technology of Lime and Limestone. Wiley.
Odeyemi, I.B. (1988). Lithostratigraphy and structural relationships of the Upper Precambrian metasediments in southwestern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 7, 23–38.
Sule, P.O., et al. (2013). Industrial mineral potential of Nigerian carbonate rocks. Journal of Mining and Geology.
Ominigbo, S.E., et al. (2021). Geochemical characteristics of Nigerian carbonate deposits and their industrial relevance. Nigerian Journal of Earth Sciences.

Anambra task force nabs 13 illegal Kaolin mining suspects

Kayode

January 13, 2026

Operatives of the Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade have paraded 13 individuals recently arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal kaolin mining activities in the state.

The Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, said the arrests were part of a targeted crackdown on illegal kaolin excavation, which he described as a major contributor to environmental degradation across the state.

Anere said the suspects were apprehended during an enforcement operation in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, and Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

He stated that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with existing laws, stressing that the action is intended to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities across the state.

According to him, the operation was carried out at identified excavation sites where indiscriminate removal of soil had been ongoing.

He added that the affected sites were immediately sealed to stop further environmental damage and to prevent the expansion of erosion-prone areas.

According to Anere, the OCHA Brigade has identified illegal excavation as one of the key drivers of erosion in Anambra State, noting that such activities weaken soil structure, destroy farmlands, and expose surrounding communities to flooding and severe gully erosion.

He further stated that beyond the immediate environmental impact, illegal mining poses long-term risks to public infrastructure, livelihoods, and overall environmental sustainability if allowed to continue unchecked.

He further disclosed that the agency has intensified and strengthened its enforcement strategies against practices that threaten public safety and violate environmental protection laws.

Anere reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting government lands and property, enforcing environmental regulations, and supporting state policies geared toward sustainable development.

He said that sustained and consistent enforcement remains crucial to mitigating erosion and safeguarding communities throughout Anambra State.

Establishing nexus between solid minerals reforms and revenue gains

Kayode

January 10, 2026

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On assumption of office in 2023, President Bola Tinubu set an ambitious goal to grow Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to one trillion dollars by 2030, with economic diversification at the core of his plan.

Among the sectors identified to drive this transformation, the solid minerals sector stands out as a promising powerhouse for revenue generation.

Analysts say countries like Nigeria, which possess the seven critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, have a unique opportunity to harness them for local economic growth.

They argue that achieving this will require bold sector reforms and stronger regulations to formalise and sanitise this industry, to ensure that it contributes effectively to national development.

According to them, a conducive environment, complete with security, clear policies and mining incentives, will naturally attract investors to operate and grow their businesses in the sector.

In line with this approach, the Federal Government introduced reforms such as the Value Addition of Minerals Policy and the “use-it-or-lose-it” principle for mineral title licences.

Other measures include a two-pronged approach combining coercive and persuasive strategies to curb illegal mining and secure mining sites nationwide, as well as the introduction of a new mining rate regime, among others.

These interventions, government officials say, have contributed to a sharp rise in revenue under the current administration.

According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, earnings in the sector climbed from N8.6 billion in 2022 to N38 billion in 2024.

Alake said that as of Dec. 12, 2025, the sector had generated over N50 billion revenue surge, as mining cadastre goes digital.

This includes revenue from the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), which rose to N30 billion in 2025 from N12 billion in 2024.

He said that sector reforms, driven by digital tools and new policies, had positioned the ministry for threefold revenue growth across its agencies.

“That is the trajectory we have set for the sector. Mines inspectorate revenue is up, and other revenue departments have also improved.

“Last year, we recorded about N38 billion. This year, we have crossed N50 billion already and we are still counting,” he said.

The minister said that in the last three years, the Federal Government had galvanised domestic reforms and policy initiatives to transform the mining sector.

“We are positioning Nigeria to compete globally and to be recognised as the mining investment destination of choice, leveraging on our vast mineral endowments, our improving regulatory environment and our commitment to sustainable development,” he said.

Alake said that the ministry had pursued reforms aimed at improving transparency, de-risking investment and unlocking value across the mineral value chain.

According to him, since when Tinubu’s administration assumed office, Chinese companies have invested 1.3 billion dollars in Lithium processing in Nigeria, a feat linked to sector reforms by stakeholders.

In December 2025, at the “Resourcing Tomorrow” Annual Exhibition and Conference in London, the minister told global mining companies that the country was ready for investment in the sector.

He said that investors should take advantage of seamless profit transfers and duty waivers on imported mining machinery.

He said that Nigeria had made significant strides in its mineral sector.

Alake highlighted investment breakthroughs in mineral processing, including over two billion dollars in inflows to lithium and rare earth ore projects over the past two years.

He said that the foreign direct investments were the outcomes of the policy on value addition being driven by Federal Government to stop pit to port export and stimulate local beneficiation.

He said that in the outskirts of Abuja, construction was underway for 50 million dollars Lithium processing plant.

According to him, this is the first in a network of industrial clusters that will extend through Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and Ebonyi.

He said that in November 2025, Nigeria achieved a major milestone in rare earth ore processing with the groundbreaking of the 400 million dollars Hasetins Group plant.

“It is expected to be ready in 15 months. Also, a multi- billion-dollar iron ore to steel project, using the latest technology, is in the pipeline,” he said.

Other stakeholders also acknowledged growth in the sector and its contribution to Nigeria`s economic development.

Mr Dele Ayankale, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) said that Nigeria’s gold, limestone and bitumen production had increased, contributing significantly to local economic growth and job creation.

However, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) says the sector’s contribution to GDP remains minimal, despite its estimated potential of about 750 billion-dollar worth of solid minerals underground.

Some CSOs have also insisted that the sector recorded losses in revenue over the years due to illegal mining by foreign companies.

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) linked reports of revenue leakages in the mining sector to illegal operations of Chinese companies in Nigeria.

RDI said this in its publication “Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector”.

The report showed that these operations threatened Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and boost revenue from mineral wealth.

According to the report, the consequences of this unregulated activity extend beyond economic losses to include environmental degradation in host communities and the displacement of local farmers.

Similarly, stakeholders have decried the low patronage of Nigeria`s Barite by International Oil Companies operating in the country.

They described the situation as a breach of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act of 2010, depriving the country of revenue including job creation opportunities.

Experts have also urged the Federal Government to support indigenous small scale mining companies to access modern mining equipment for their operations while introducing measures to attract international investors.

They also said that the solid minerals sector remained constrained by limited opportunities to unlock sustainable financing for its development.

Mr Adeniran Ajibade, President of the Gemstone Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN), described mining financing as high risk.

Ajibade, however, said that the risk associated with funding trading and processing activities, including value addition, could be lower.

Meanwhile, in December 2025, the Ore Reserve Development Forum (ORDF), in collaboration with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), initiated efforts to put in place a robust financing framework.

The framework is aimed at fully unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Stakeholders caution that challenges such as infrastructure gaps, security concerns in some mining locations, and the need for sustained investment in skills development must be addressed to sustain the sector’s growth momentum.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to consolidate on reforms, strengthen enforcement and promote private-sector participation.

This is to ensure that the solid minerals sector remains a reliable source of revenue and economic growth. (NAN Features)

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