Nigeria Plans to Digitise Mining to Monitor Operators

The Federal Government is planning to use Nigeria’s digital identity system to keep track of mining operators. This move aims to improve regulation and reduce illegal mining across the country.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, shared this information during a visit from Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and her team. This meeting took place at the ministry in Abuja.

They discussed how the ministry and NIMC could work together to integrate digital identity into the mining sector. This collaboration aims to enhance governance, ensure compliance with regulations, and better monitor mining activities.

A statement from the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, mentioned that both agencies are focused on using technology and reliable identity systems to support the ongoing reforms in the mining sector.

Mr Alake called NIMC a key part of Nigeria’s governance system. He said effective regulation and national planning rely heavily on accurate data and proper identity management.

“NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is crucial to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology, and credible identity systems,” the minister stated.

Tracking Mining Operators

Mr Alake explained that using digital identity in mining will help government agencies identify operators clearly. This will also help them monitor activities and separate legitimate licence holders from illegal miners.

He pointed out that proper identity management is vital for enforcement and addressing the security issues that come with illegal mining.

“Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations,” he noted.

He added, “A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement, and support our efforts to sanitise the sector.”

He said technology, digital identity, data collection, and statistics are now essential for making informed policies, efficient licensing, attracting investment, and improving oversight of mining activities.

The minister also mentioned that having reliable and verifiable data will help government institutions better understand the mining value chain and create policies for sustainable development in the sector.

NIMC Proposes Deeper Collaboration

During the meeting, Ms Coker-Odusote pointed out that the new NIMC Act 2026 has improved the legal framework for Nigeria's digital identity system. This opens up more chances for collaboration with government institutions.

She stated that adding NIMC’s digital identity system into the mining sector would enhance data sharing between agencies, improve regulatory compliance, and boost security.

According to her, this partnership would also help monitor mining operators better, support law enforcement, and make sure Community Development Agreements between mining companies and host communities are implemented.

She added that a strong digital identity system would improve transparency, enhance service delivery, and allow for better data sharing across government agencies.

“The commission’s infrastructure can support the creation of a more reliable identity ecosystem for the mining sector, helping regulators verify operators and improve monitoring across the country,” she explained.

Reforms Target Illegal Mining

This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s larger reforms aimed at cleaning up Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. This sector is facing many issues, including illegal mining, insecurity, environmental damage, and poor regulatory oversight.

Authorities have long pointed out that illegal mining is a major barrier to unlocking the sector’s economic potential. Criminal networks and unlicensed operators continue to exploit mineral resources, denying the government of revenue.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Federal Government arrested two suspected illegal miners and closed down an illegal site in Osun State as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign. During this operation, Mining Marshals seized equipment and sealed the site. The suspects helped investigators identify those financing the illegal activities.

The minister has mentioned that Mining Marshals have arrested over 300 suspected illegal miners nationwide. More than 150 of these suspects, including foreign nationals, are currently facing prosecution. Several illegal mining sites have also been shut down to restore order in the sector.

The Tinubu administration is also implementing reforms to attract responsible investment in mining, enhance transparency, strengthen licensing processes, and ensure that Nigeria receives greater economic benefits from its rich mineral resources.