Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office Collaborates with FCT to Resolve Conflicts

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has embarked on a collaborative effort with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the long-standing issue of conflicts between mining and land title claims. In a recent visit to the MCO, a delegation led by Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters, met with Mr Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the MCO, to discuss the partnership aimed at resolving these disputes. The collaboration aims to streamline the FCT's operations, eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles, and ensure better management and administration of mineral resources within the FCT.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MCO is working with the FCT to resolve conflicts between mining and land title claims, which has been a major concern in the Federal Capital Territory.
  • The collaboration aims to eliminate disputes between mineral titles and land titles, making such conflicts a thing of the past.
  • The partnership will enable the FCT to streamline its operations and maintain clarity on land use and mineral exploration boundaries.
  • The MCO Director-General, Mr Obadiah Nkom, expressed confidence that the FCT Department would work closely with the MCO and relevant bodies to ensure accountability.
  • Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters, stated that the visit aimed to seek the MCO's support in executing her department's responsibilities effectively.
  • The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has recently approved a new operational guideline for mining and quarrying in the territory.
  • The MCO will provide relevant data to the FCT to ensure operators comply with the Community Development Agreement and other legal obligations.

Statistics:

  • The FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters was created in 2022.
  • The partnership between the MCO and the FCT aims to eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles.
  • The collaboration will address the problem of illegal scavenging on plots of land, which is a growing concern in the FCT.
  • The FCT will benefit from the centralization of approvals and enhancement of compliance through the partnership.
  • Scavengers have been defacing the FCT, and the partnership aims to tackle this issue.

Sources:

  • News Agency of Nigeria (21 May 2025)
  • Mr Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the MCO
  • Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters
  • Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  • Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO)
  • FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike