FCT, MCO collaborate to streamline mineral resource management

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) have collaborated to streamline mineral resource management 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 FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters to MCO on the issue of clearance permit/letter of No objection, the Director-General of MCO, Engr. Simon Nkom Obadiah, disclosed that the agency has established the synergy that is needed for FCT to be working on the same page on the administration and management of mineral resources.

The MCO DG also explained that the FCT has various departments, including the Inspectorate Department, Environmental and Compliance Department, and Artisanal and Small-Scale Department, which will work together with the MCO to ensure effective management of mineral resources.

He noted that the synergy will enable the FCT to maintain its sanctity and prevent mining activities from taking place in unauthorised areas.

“The FCT itself will be able to now streamline and ensure that, at the end of the day, the FCT maintains its sanctity in terms of what it’s supposed to be, not to find mining pits 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 because of the government of President Bola Tinubu, with the seven-point agenda and repositioning the mining sector.

“And the work that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake is doing in the sector is something that he gives us all the necessary support,” he said.

Earlier, the Overseeing Director, FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters, Obrike Chinyelu, noted that this synergy is crucial for effective management of mineral resources.

She said, “We are here to take off and do what we are supposed to be doing. We believe that we are going to get a lot of information from here, and people believe we have well-experienced people here who have been driving this process for the Federation and FCT.”

Chinyelu disclosed that the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters was established in November 2022 to moderate and harmonise mining activities in the territory.

Chinyelu also explained that prior to her assumption of office, the department was waiting for the approval of operational guidelines from the Minister of FCT, which was finally granted on March 26, 2025.

“We want to document and really know who and who are mining in FCT and who are doing what in FCT. Part of our mandate is to ensure that mining operators meet their obligations, such as community development agreements.

“The department aims to address complaints of encroachments and illegal mining activities, ensuring that mining operations are properly coordinated and documented.

“Additionally, the MCO will work with the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters to streamline the licensing process, ensuring that all mining activities are properly licensed and compliant with regulations.

“The collaboration also aims to promote ease of doing business in FCT, ensuring that mining operators can conduct their activities without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.

Chinyelu noted that the department is committed to driving the process, linking and communicating with other stakeholder departments, and coordinating activities.

“We need them to do those businesses. So that’s the reason why the department was established. We’re also looking at how we can get the FCT master plan on the MCO map to appoint potential disputes,” she said.

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