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The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) was established in 2007 with the responsibility for the Administration and Management of Mineral Titles in Nigeria in accordance with Section 5 (1) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 (the Act).
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO), in addition to any other functions prescribed by or under Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011 (the Regulations), performs the following:
- Consider applications for Mineral Titles and permits, issue, suspend and upon written approval of the Minister, revoke any Mineral Title;
- Receive and dispose of applications for modifications (renewal, transfer, relinquishment, consolidation, extension of areas etc.) of Mineral Titles;
- Maintain a chronological record of all applications for Mineral Titles in a Priority Register, which is used specifically to ascertain the priority and registration of applications for exclusive rights on free areas;
- Maintain a general register, which is used for all other types of applications where registration of the priority is not required; and
- Undertake such other activities reasonably necessary for the purpose of carrying out its duties and responsibilities under the provisions of the Act, and the Regulations.
Electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+)
In furthering its objective to provide an independent, efficient, transparent, modern Mining Cadastre System, which grants and administers mining licences and permits in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations and consistent with best international practices; the Nigeria Mining Cadastre System has been upgraded and automated to an electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) system. As part of the upgrade, the NMCO has established Zonal Offices in each of the six (6) geopolitical Zones of the Country.
The main functionality of the eMC+ enables fast and seamless online preparation, processing, recording, monitoring of procedures and granting of mineral rights in Nigeria.
Ground Rules and Principles of Operations of the eMC+
The operations of the eMC+ is based on internationally accepted principles and ground rules for the administration and management of mineral rights. These include the following:
- Conducive macro-economic environment for mining investment
- Clear, stable, legal, and regulatory frameworks
- Well-defined institutional responsibilities
- Transparent and non-discretionary procedures
- Stable, competitive, and fair fiscal regimes
- Priority based on First Come First Serve
- Use it or lose it
- Security of tenure
- Security of title