By Femi Akinola
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has disclosed that the Federal Government is yet to recover a staggering sum of over N2 trillion royalties and taxes from miners and operators across the country.
Alake further disclosed that out of this huge debt, Kaduna State alone is owing over N3 billion while the ministry approved about 499 licences for the buying and selling of solid minerals in 2023.
He also hinted that the Federal Government plans to set up a Solid Minerals Corporation with N1 billion share capital and hold on to about 25% of the share capital.
The minister made the disclosure last week during a meeting with the Licensed Mineral Holders, Laterite and Sand Operators Dealers, Kaduna Zone.
Represented by the State Zonal Mines officer, North-West Zonal office, Kutman Hosen Ali, the Minister said that miners and operators owed the Federal Government more than N2 trillion noting that Kaduna State’s debt is over N3 billion adding that his ministry has made it clear to debtor miners and operators in Kaduna State, to make bold steps and clear that debt.
During the meeting, Alake also emphasized on the importance of reenergizing the Special Mines Surveilance Taskforce (SMSTF) to combat illegal mining and secure punctual payment of royalties and taxes.
”The Special Mines Taskforce has been activate in KadunaState and they have commenced on the War Against Illegal Mining and non-payment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,” Alake said.
At a similar Ministry of Solid Mineral Development’s event attended by the minister, Alake disclosed that the Federal Government, through his ministry of Solid Minerals Development, granted approved about 499 licences for the buying and selling of solid minerals in Nigeria last year.
He revealed the number while delivering keynote address as the Speaker at the BusinessDay Solid Minerals Conference held at Abuja.
He said the Solid Minerals Development Ministry will continue to facilitate the process of applications for permits to refine minerals, processed and purchased.
Giving the breakdown of mining licences granted last year, the licence approved for Lithium mining surpassed others with 146 licences, followed by licence for Gold which was 91, Tin 46 and Coal mining recorded 32 licences.
The list also includes Tantalite, Iron-Ore, Kaolin, Feldpar, Beryl, Barite, Columbite, Mica and Aquamarine licences.
On the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, the minister explained that the process of creating the legislation for the institution has started.
He said ”Nigerian citizens will buy public shares hold 25% while private investors can acquire up to 10% of the remaining shares.”
According to the minister, on February 12 and 13, 2024, the Solid Mineral Committee of the House of Representatives will hold the first policy dialogue on the proposed law to create the planned Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation.