NIGERIA MINERAL AND MINING ACT

What Is This Policy?

The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 is the primary legislation governing solid mineral exploration, development, processing, and export in Nigeria — establishing the legal framework for mining titles, environmental obligations, host community rights, and the regulatory architecture of the entire solid minerals sector.

Who Does It Target?

All mining title applicants and holders — from multinational companies to artisanal and small-scale miners (ASMs) Mining communities, landowners, and host state governments in solid mineral-producing areas Regulatory bodies: Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MMSD), Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Mines Inspectorate Department (MID) Investors, joint venture partners, and financial institutions financing mining operations

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Vest all mineral resources in Nigeria in the Federal Government and provide a transparent system for commercial mineral exploitation Attract private investment into solid minerals by creating a clear, secure, and internationally competitive licensing regime Protect the rights and interests of host mining communities, including rights to compensation and information Regulate environmental standards and ensure mine closure and land rehabilitation obligations are legally enforceable

Key Features

Seven Mineral Titles: Reconnaissance Permit, Exploration Licence, Small-Scale Mining Licence, Mining Lease, Quarry Lease, Water Use Permit, and Mineral Trading Licence Centralised MCO Register: The Mining Cadastre Office maintains a public register of all mineral title applications, grants, and transfers — ensuring transparency and anti-overlap protections Host Community Rights: Landowners and host communities entitled to compensation for surface rights interference; right to information on mineral activities in their area State Mineral Resources Committees (MIREMCOs): State-level committees provide sub-national oversight and a platform for host community representation Environmental Compliance: All mining title holders must obtain FMOE-approved EIAs and submit mine closure plans before commencement of operations Artisanal Mining Legalisation: Establishes a dedicated Small-Scale Mining Licence for artisanal miners — bringing ASMs into the formal regulatory framework

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; supplemented by Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011 and the Nigerian Mining Roadmap 2016 Implementing Body: Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MMSD); Mining Cadastre Office (MCO); Mines Inspectorate Department (MID) Coverage: National; all 36 states and FCT — with priority in Plateau, Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, and Cross River States Sector Output: Solid minerals contributed ~3.5% to GDP in 2022; production grew 28% CAGR (2019–2021) Cadastre Status: Over 2,500 active mineral titles as of 2023; digitalised mining cadastre system operational

How to Access

Apply for a Mining Title: Submit application via the MCO portal at portal.minesandsteel.gov.ng with required geological surveys and EIA documentation Small-Scale Miners: Apply for Small-Scale Mining Licences through nearest MMSD State Office or directly at MCO Abuja Community Stakeholders: Engage MIREMCOs for state-level representation on mining activities affecting your community Portal: portal.minesandsteel.gov.ng | msmd.gov.ng

Important Terms

No Title, No Mining: Conducting mining operations without a valid licence is a criminal offence under the Act — penalties include fines and imprisonment EIA Mandatory: No mining activities can commence without Federal Ministry of Environment-approved EIA Royalties: Mining operators pay royalties to the Federation Account as a percentage of the value of minerals produced

Official Resources

Website: msmd.gov.ng | portal.minesandsteel.gov.ng Contact: Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, 13 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos / Block G, Old Secretariat, Garki, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: MMSD, NMMA 2007, Mining Cadastre Office, World Bank, NEITI | February 2026

Legal Framework

The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 is the primary legislation governing solid mineral exploration, development, processing, and export. It operates under Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution (Federal Government ownership of mineral resources), the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007. The EITI Standard and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (for diamonds) provide international transparency frameworks.