NATIONAL POLICY ON SOLID MATERIALS
Policy · Trade
Policy date: 2026-01-01
A Policy outlines a strategic blueprint for developing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector to reduce petroleum dependence. It targets local miners, multinational corporations, and stakeholders to add value to raw materials. This seeks to transition to a mining-led economy.
What Is This Policy?
The National Policy on Solid Minerals and Metals is Nigeria's strategic blueprint to transition the country from a "petroleum-dependent" economy to a "mining-led" one.
Who Does It Target?
The National Policy on Solid Minerals and Metals targets a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from local artisanal miners to global multinational corporations. Under the 2026 "Renewed Hope" agenda, the targeting has become more specific, focusing on those who can add "value" to Nigeria's raw materials.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
The National Policy on Solid Minerals and Metals targets a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from local artisanal miners to global multinational corporations. Under the 2026 "Renewed Hope" agenda, the targeting has become more specific, focusing on those who can add "value" to Nigeria's raw materials.
Key Features
- The "Value Addition" Mandate This is the policy's most radical feature. As of 2026, Nigeria no longer allows the export of raw, unprocessed mineral ores (especially Lithium, Gold, and Zinc)
- The Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation Modeled after the NNPC in the oil sector, this is a state-backed corporate entity designed to play as a commercial actor.
- Mines Policing" (Mining Marshals) To combat the estimated $9 billion annual loss to illegal mining, the government established a specialized security unit.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Advanced Operationalization Coverage: applies nationwide Beneficiaries to Date: artisanal Miners, revenue growth Funding: federal government
Important Terms
Term 1- Institutional & Regulatory Terms Mining Cadastre Office (MCO): The "Land Registry" of the mining world. It is the only body authorized to issue, manage, and revoke mineral titles in Nigeria. Term 2- Economic & Technical Terms Beneficiation (Value Addition): The process of cleaning, crushing, or refining raw ore to increase its value before sale. The 2026 policy strictly mandates local beneficiation—no raw ore export Official website Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) The central ministry responsible for policy formulation and sector regulation. Website: https://msmd.gov.ng (formerly minesandsteel.gov.ng) Address: New Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja. Email: [email protected] Phone: +234 9 523 7054 2. Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) The agency in charge of the administration and management of mineral titles (the "Land Registry" for miners). Website: www.miningcadastre.gov.ng Address: 37 Lobito Crescent, Off Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse II, Abuja. Email: [email protected] Phone: +234 816 410 1937 Link to document
Legal Framework
The National Policy on Solid Minerals and Metals operates under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, the National Metallurgical Development Centre Act, and the Mining Cadastre Office Act. It aligns with the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards, and the African Mining Vision adopted by the African Union. The National Minerals and Metals Policy framework complements the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 model for sector governance.