The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced significant growth in Nigeria’s mining sector as a result of digital reforms implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the OneGov Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Alake highlighted the positive impact of these reforms on revenue and operational efficiency.
Alake expressed his satisfaction with the achievements of the MCO, describing the launch of the ECMS as a pivotal moment for the sector. He stated that digital reforms are driving “unprecedented revenue, transparency, and operational efficiency,” which have contributed to enhanced global recognition for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. He characterized this launch as “a monumental step that reflects the new colours of success, progress, and efficiency.”
The Minister revealed that government revenue from the mining sector has experienced a dramatic increase due to digitization and improved policy enforcement. “When we came in, revenue was about N6 billion. We doubled that within a year. And this year, we are almost tripling it,” he noted. Specifically, he pointed out that the sector’s revenue surged from N28 billion in 2024 to over N50 billion in 2025, attributing this growth to the reforms and increased transparency.
Alake commended the MCO for streamlining processes and enhancing service delivery, which he believes has restored investor confidence in the sector. He praised the leadership of the MCO for combining innovation with robust administrative practices. Alongside this, he acknowledged Galaxy Backbone for powering the OneGov system and urged the agency to ensure consistent internet connectivity to avoid disruptions.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, also lauded the MCO, noting its exemplary leadership and commitment to modernization in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and digital technologies. “As the first department under the ministry to go live, the MCO is raising the standard and providing the model for others to follow,” Yabo stated. He emphasized that the OneGov system is not just an automation tool but a secure digital backbone that can transform governance, aiming to make every officer work smarter and more efficiently.
Director General of the MCO, Obadiah Simon Nkom, characterized the launch of the ECMS as a historic milestone for government efficiency across the nation. He shared that the agency’s revenue rose from N6.17 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024, and has already surpassed N30 billion in 2025. Nkom credited this increase to strong support from the ministry, regulatory reforms, and compliance-driven digitization.
The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Gana Nsuba, commended the MCO for its commitment to excellence, indicating that it is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s OneGov Cloud initiative. “The MCO is demonstrating what is possible through leadership, collaboration, and digital courage,” he remarked.
Through these initiatives, Nigeria’s mining sector appears poised for continued growth and modernization, driven by digital innovations that enhance operational efficiency and boost revenue.
