The seamless operation of the electronic mining cadastre system (eMC) by the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has become a source of pride for the country as it excited a delegation of cadastre experts drawn from ECOWAS member-states who visited the Agency on Friday, as part of processes for the establishment of a standard cadastre observatory for the West African sub region.
Accordingly, Nigeria meets the benchmark for participation in the proposed regional observatory.
The delegation of experts on mining and extractive industry from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) applauded Nigeria’s electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) initiative, describing it as a model for the region’s mining and extractive industry.
They commended the Director-General of the MCO, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom for his hospitality, and for demonstrating the operations of the eMC+ system, which they observed with keen interest.
It is pertinent to note that on November 1, 2022, Nigeria migrated to digital administration of mineral titles, a development that is revolutionising the sector.
While receiving the delegation, the Director General emphasized the importance of regional synergy, as it will strengthen the sub region.
According to him, harmonising Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms across ECOWAS member states would simplify investment processes in the sub region’s mining sector.
He used the opportunity to reaffirm MCO’s commitment to supporting other countries who are willing to adopt similar systems, stressing that Nigeria’s reforms are not solely revenue-driven but aims to make the sector more transparent and investor-friendly.
He stated: “I am privileged to have this historic visit by these very powerful technical experts from ECOWAS. It is an honour that demonstrates the growing recognition of Nigeria’s role in leading digital transformation within the region’s extractive sector.”
“This visit is not just historic for the Cadastre Office or the mining sector, but for Nigeria as a whole and it is a clear recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in driving digital transformation in the West African extractive industry.”
Tracing the country’s digital transformation journey, he said the reforms actually started after the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act was enacted in 2007.
“We moved from irregular polygons to cadastre block units; from an analog set-up to a computerised system, first on an intranet and now to a robust web-based platform. Today, we generate in a month what used to take us a year.”
While conveying goodwill message from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, he said the federal government is fully supportive of regional integration and digital reforms in the extractive sector.
In his remarks, the ECOWAS representative, Mr William Badieo commended Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the minister in charge of Solid Minerals Development, saying ECOWAS’ approach to extractive governance is anchored on three pillars: cooperation, harmonisation, and integration.
He disclosed that a Geo-Extractive Observatory and Regional Key Distance System are currently underway to connect national cadastre systems through a standardized interface.
Also speaking, the Chief Geologist at Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum and an ECOWAS delegate, Mr Madu Hassan Fika described the eMC+ system as an eye-opener.
“My impression was marvellous. I did not expect to see such a sophisticated digital platform. This visit has completely changed my perception of Nigeria’s progress in digital mining governance.
“Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead this integration and showcase the possibilities to the world.”
SOURCE: Blueprint newspaper.
