By Martha Agas
The Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has pledged technical support to South Sudan to strengthen its mining cadastre system.
The support will be delivered through knowledge sharing and institutional cooperation between both countries.
The Director-General of the MCO, Mr Obadiah Simon Nkom, made the commitment on Friday in Abuja.
He spoke while receiving a South Sudan delegation led by the Director-General of Geological Survey, Mr James Kund.
Nkom said the partnership aligned with the fifth Africa Natural Resources Investment theme, ‘One Africa, One Resource’.
He noted that stronger continental cooperation would enable African countries to achieve greater progress in mineral development.
“We believe that when African countries work together, we can move farther and better,” Nkom said.
He explained that Nigeria’s automated cadastre system had improved transparency, efficiency and accountability.
According to him, the system eliminated human interference in mineral title administration processes.
Nkom said the web-based platform allows investors to apply for mineral titles electronically at any time.
He added that applicants must demonstrate financial and technical capacity before approval.
He explained that the system, previously operated as an intranet platform, was upgraded in 2022.
The upgrade created the electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) to improve service delivery.
Nkom said the platform enabled seamless processing of mineral title applications in line with global standards.
He added that the reforms had produced positive results, including improved efficiency and increased revenue generation.
According to the MCO Director-General, the office operates a ‘use it or lose it’ policy.
He explained that the policy discourages speculation and ensures active development of mineral resources.
Under the policy, title holders must pay annual service fees and submit periodic reports.
They must also begin approved mining operations within specified timelines or risk revocation.
Nkom said revocation would only occur after due process had been followed, noting that Nigeria’s mining administration system had positioned the country as a model in Africa.
“Nigeria was rated among the top performers during the regional harmonisation of mining cadastre systems,” he said.
He said Nigeria was supporting other African countries seeking to improve their cadastre systems.
“Some countries are just starting, some are midway, while others are still struggling.
“Because of where Nigeria is, many countries want to understudy our system,” Nkom said.
He said harmonised mining cadastre systems would boost investment flows across Africa.
The reform would also promote cross-border collaboration within the continent’s mining industry.
Nkom said the initiative would help Africa become a stronger global mining destination.
He linked the move to the Africa Minerals Strategy Group’s vision for mineral development.
According to him, the strategy promotes a united continental approach to harness mineral resources.
Earlier, Kund said South Sudan was seeking Nigeria’s support to improve its cadastre system.
“We are here to learn from Nigeria’s experience and strengthen cooperation in mineral governance,” Kund said.
He explained that the visit was aimed at exchanging experiences and improving mineral administration.
Kund said South Sudan established its cadastre system in 2015, adding that the country was seeking an upgrade to enhance operational efficiency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo