Nigerian Miners & Mineral Traders in Crisis: Delayed Permits Lead to Arrests, Calls for Swift Action from Solid Minerals Ministry

Nigerian miners and mineral traders are raising alarm over prolonged delays in obtaining mining licenses and mineral trading permits, particularly the Permit to Purchase and Possess Minerals (PPPM). Many applicants have waited for over two months without approval, leaving them vulnerable to arrests by security agencies, including the EFCC and Mining Marshals, who are clamping down on undocumented traders.

Despite submitting complete applications and following due process, traders report frustrating bottlenecks at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. This bureaucratic gridlock contrasts sharply with agencies like the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), which issues export permits within 24 hours—a benchmark miners urge the Ministry to adopt.

A Call for Urgent Intervention
The Nigerian Mineral Exchange (NME) joins affected stakeholders in calling on the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to:

1. Expedite permit approvals to match the efficiency of NEPC.
2. Provide clear timelines for application processing to reduce uncertainty.
3. Collaborate with security agencies to distinguish between illegal miners and permit applicants awaiting approval.

“We support government efforts to sanitize the sector, but legitimate operators should not suffer due to administrative delays,” said Obinna Ede, the founder and CEO of NME. “The current situation stifles business and discourages investment.” He added.

Why This Matters
Nigeria’s mining sector holds immense economic potential, but bureaucratic hurdles undermine growth and fuel informality. A transparent, efficient permitting system will boost compliance, revenue, and investor confidence.

Join the Conversation
Are you affected by permit delays? Share your experience with us using #FixMiningPermits on social media. Together, we can push for a mining sector that works for all.

Closing Note:
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to ease of doing business by resolving these challenges promptly. The Nigerian Mineral Exchange will continue to monitor and advocate for stakeholder-friendly reforms.