The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced significant advancements in Nigeria’s mining sector, attributing these developments to digital reforms implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During the inauguration of the OneGov Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) at the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) in Abuja, Alake highlighted how these reforms have driven unprecedented revenue growth, enhanced operational efficiency, and garnered global recognition for the sector.
The launch of the OneGov ECMS represents a pivotal step in streamlining processes within Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Alake described this moment as “a monumental step that reflects the new colours of success, progress, and efficiency.” He emphasized that the progress made by the MCO is indicative of a broader transformation across the entire sector since he assumed office.
Alake revealed that government revenue from the mining sector has increased dramatically, rising from approximately N6 billion when he took office to a projected revenue of over N50 billion in 2025. He attributed this growth not only to digitization but also to stringent policy enforcement and improved licensing processes. “We doubled that within a year. And this year, we are almost tripling it,” he remarked, underscoring the impact of these reforms on the sector’s financial health.
The Minister also praised the MCO for effectively eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving service delivery, which in turn has restored investor confidence in the mining sector. He commended the MCO’s leadership for their innovative approach, discipline, and robust administrative structure, which have been crucial in achieving these results.
In addition, Alake acknowledged Galaxy Backbone for its role in powering the OneGov system. He urged the agency to maintain uninterrupted internet connectivity to ensure seamless workflow. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, expressed his admiration for the MCO’s commitment to modernization, declaring that it sets a standard for other government entities to emulate.
Yabo noted, “The OneGov system is not merely an automation tool but a secure, intelligent digital backbone capable of transforming governance.” He reaffirmed the goal of ensuring that every officer operates smarter, faster, and more securely, enhancing the value delivered to citizens and investors alike.
For Obadiah Simon Nkom, the Director General of the MCO, the implementation of the OneGov ECMS signifies a historic milestone. He stated, “This milestone is not just for the ministry or the mining sector. It is a milestone for the entire country.” Nkom reported a remarkable increase in the agency’s revenue, which surged from N6.17 billion in 2023 to N12 billion in 2024, and has already exceeded N30 billion in 2025. This growth is credited to strong ministerial support and compliance-driven digitization.
Finally, Gana Nsuba, Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, praised the MCO for “raising the bar” and aligning with the Federal Government’s OneGov Cloud agenda. He highlighted the potential for leadership, collaboration, and digital courage within the agency, indicating a bright future for Nigeria’s mining sector as it embraces digital transformation.
As the mining sector continues on this trajectory of growth and efficiency, the positive implications for Nigeria’s economy and global standing in resource management are becoming increasingly evident.
