The Nigerian government has revoked 4,709 mining licences as part of a sector-wide clean-up aimed at curbing speculation and strengthening compliance.

Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, explained that the revoked titles include 1,400 expired licences, 2,338 refused applications, and 971 unpaid grants. He said the move is designed to protect genuine investors and restore order in the solid minerals sector.

Nkom stressed that the action is not punitive but a strategic step to remove speculators who hoard licences without contributing to the economy. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has indicated that more revocations may follow as Nigeria seeks to boost investor confidence in mining.