The Territory of the Federal Capital (FCT) and the Office of Mining Caddas (MCO) have collaborated to rationalize the management of mineral resources in the territory.
The synergy between the two agencies will ensure that conflicts between mineral titles and land titles are eliminated.
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Speaking during the courtesy visit of the Solid Minerals Department of FCT and allied Affairs to MCO on the issue of authorization/letter permit without objection, the general director of MCO, ENGR. Simon Nkom Obadiah revealed that the agency has established the synergy that is needed for FCT to work on the same page on the administration and management of mineral resources.
The MCO DG also explained that the FCT has several departments, including the Inspection Department, the Department of Environmental Accounting and Compliance, and the Artisanal Department already small scale, which will work together with the MCO to guarantee the effective management of mineral resources.
He pointed out that the synergy will allow the FCT to maintain their holiness and prevent mining activities being carried out in unauthorized areas.
“FCT himself can simplify now and make sure that, at the end of the day, the FCT maintains its holiness in terms of what it is supposed to be, not finding mining wells here and there,” he said.
The DG expressed optimism that the new development will improve the management of mineral resources in the FCT and attract foreign investments to the sector.
“All these things we are doing is due to the government of President Bola Tinubu, with the seven -point agenda and repositioning the mining sector.
“And the work that the Minister of Development of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, is doing in the sector is something that gives us all the necessary support,” he said.
Previously, the Supervision Director, the FCT solid mineral department and allied matters, Obrike Chinyelu, said that this synergy is crucial for the effective management of mineral resources.
She said: “We are here to take off and do what we are supposed to do. We believe we are going to get a lot of information here, and people believe we have well -experienced people who have been promoting this process for the Federation and the FCT.”
Chinyelu revealed that the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Affairs of FCT was established in November 2022 to moderate and harmonize mining activities in the territory.
Chinyelu also explained that before his assumption of charge, the department was waiting for the approval of the operational guidelines of the Minister of FCT, which was finally granted on March 26, 2025.
“We want to document and really know who and who is undermining FCT and who is doing what in FCT. Part of our mandate is to ensure that mining operators comply with their obligations, such as community development agreements.
“The department aims to address the complaints of invasions and illegal mining activities, ensuring that mining operations are correctly coordinated and documented.
“In addition, the MCO will work with the FCT solid mineral department and allied issues to optimize the license process, ensuring that all mining activities have adequate license and comply with the regulations.
“The collaboration also aims to promote the ease of doing business in FCT, ensuring that mining operators can carry out their activities without unnecessary obstacles,” he said.
Chinyelu said the department is committed to promoting the process, linking and communicating with other interested part departments and coordinating activities.
“We need those businesses to do. So that is the reason why the department was established. We are also seeing how we can obtain FCT's master plan on the MCO map to name possible disputes,” he said.
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