Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has highlighted the significant strides made in Nigeria’s mining sector, attributing these advancements to the digital reforms introduced under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. During the inauguration of the OneGov Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) in Abuja, Alake emphasized how these digital reforms have revolutionized the sector, driving unprecedented revenue, transparency, and operational efficiency, while earning Nigeria global recognition.

A Monumental Step in Digital Transformation

Describing the launch of the ECMS as a “monumental step,” Alake explained that it marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, one driven by innovation and efficiency. He stated that the achievement of the MCO underscores the decisive shift his ministry has spearheaded in the last two and a half years.

“What the MCO has achieved today is symptomatic of the entire sector,” Alake said. “We have made strident strides across every part of the solid minerals ecosystem.”

Revenue Surge from Digital Reforms

Alake pointed out that revenue from the solid minerals sector had surged dramatically due to the combination of digitization, strict policy enforcement, and improved licensing processes.

“When we came in, revenue was about ₦6 billion. We doubled that within a year. And this year, we are almost tripling it,” Alake proudly stated. He added that revenue for 2025 had soared from ₦28 billion in 2024 to over ₦50 billion in 2025, crediting the sector’s growth to the transparent, technology-driven reforms and enhanced oversight.

This surge in revenue reflects the positive impact of the OneGov system, which was designed to streamline operations, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance service delivery within the mining sector.

Restoring Investor Confidence

The Minister also commended the MCO for its role in eliminating operational bottlenecks, which has, in turn, restored investor confidence in the sector. By combining innovation with discipline, the MCO has set a new standard for governance in Nigeria’s mining industry.

“Investor confidence is crucial, and the transformation in the MCO has played a vital role in making the sector more attractive,” Alake noted. He further congratulated Galaxy Backbone for powering the OneGov system, urging them to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity to maintain seamless operations and prevent any workflow disruptions.

MCO’s Role in Sectoral Modernization

Faruk Yusuf Yabo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, hailed the MCO for its exemplary leadership in embracing digital systems. Yabo noted that the OneGov system is not just an automation tool, but a secure, intelligent digital backbone capable of transforming the way governance is delivered.

“The MCO is setting the bar high, not only for the mining sector but for the entire public service,” Yabo said. “Our goal is to ensure every officer works smarter, faster, and more securely, delivering greater value to citizens and investors.”

Historic Milestone for MCO

Obadiah Simon Nkom, the Director General of MCO, described the digital achievements as a historic moment for government efficiency. He proudly shared that MCO’s revenue grew from ₦6.17 billion in 2023 to ₦12 billion in 2024, and by 2025, it had surpassed ₦30 billion. This dramatic increase was largely due to the successful implementation of reforms and digitization, which strengthened compliance and improved operational procedures.

“This milestone is not just for the ministry or the mining sector,” Nkom stated. “It is a milestone for the entire country.”

Praise for Galaxy Backbone

Gana Nsuba, Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, also praised the MCO for its leadership in aligning with the Federal Government’s OneGov Cloud agenda, stressing that the MCO’s success demonstrates the power of collaboration and digital courage in transforming government operations.

“The MCO is demonstrating what is possible through leadership, collaboration, and digital courage,” Nsuba said.

A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Mining Sector

Alake concluded by emphasizing that the digital reforms in the mining sector have not only improved operational efficiency and boosted revenue but also positioned Nigeria as a leader in global mining governance. The success of the OneGov ECMS in streamlining processes and increasing transparency is paving the way for more investors to enter the sector, marking a significant turning point for Nigeria’s mining industry.

With these ongoing reforms, the future of Nigeria’s mining sector looks brighter, more efficient, and increasingly recognized on the global stage.