Abuja, 16 August 2025 — In a move signalling robust international collaboration, the World Bank and the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) have taken a significant step in fortifying Nigeria’s mining sector. A high-powered delegation from the World Bank, led by Senior Operations Officer for Energy and Extractives, Noora Arfaa, paid a working visit to MCO headquarters in Abuja this past Friday. Their meeting was more than a photo-op—it was a strategic exploration of how technology-driven interventions can deepen transparency, drive efficiency, and catalyse Nigeria’s mining sector as a pillar of economic growth.
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A Shared Vision: Technology, Transparency, Trust
Noora Arfaa commenced the talks by commending MCO’s strides in digital reform, particularly in its efforts to bring transparency into mining operations. These innovations—from electronic title systems to digitised application processes—have breathed new life into the sector by streamlining access, guarding against opacity, and nurturing trust with investors. The sentiment was clear: the World Bank stands ready to support Nigeria’s extractives reform agenda, especially where it intersects with national economic ambitions.
Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the MCO, responded with equal candour. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to unlocking the mining sector’s potential as a transformative engine for GDP growth. Nkom emphasised that any partnership must amplify economic output while preserving environmental integrity and social responsibility—an important balance in today’s global extractives ecosystem.
Reforms Gaining Momentum: From Policy to Prosperity
This renewed collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment. Recent reforms have already begun yielding results:
- The mining sector’s revenue surged to ₦38 billion in 2024, a drastic improvement from the ₦6 billion generated previously—despite only 18% of the sector’s ₦29 billion budget being released.
- The first quarter of 2025 alone saw the MCO and the Mines Inspectorate jointly pull in nearly ₦13.9 billion.
- Foreign investors have responded to this clarity—pledging upwards of $800 million for processing facilities, including lithium plants near Kaduna-Niger border and Abuja.
- There are also strong moves to formalise artisanal mining, with over 300 illegal operators arrested and over 250 mining cooperatives established nationwide—marking a tangible shift toward legitimacy and inclusion.
Glencore, one of the world’s largest commodities traders, has publicly praised these reforms. Its CEO, Gary Nagle, expressed interest in investing in nickel, cobalt, and zinc—on the condition that Nigeria sustains a stable, transparent business climate.
Against this backdrop, the present overture from the World Bank could act as a force multiplier—speeding up reform, expanding investor confidence, and aligning with Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.
Catalyst for Future Growth: Environmental Integrity Meets Digital Innovation
As discussions continue, two themes dominate the conversation: sustainability and technological collaboration.
- Environmental and Social Safeguards
MCO’s commitment to upholding environmental protection and social accountability in mining is more than a box-ticking necessity—it’s a key pillar of public and investor confidence. President Tinubu’s administration has championed this approach, recognising that the long-term value of the sector hinges on equitable, sustainable practices. - Digital Tools as Game-Changers
Digitalisation stands at the heart of MCO’s strategy—automating licence applications, mineral titles, and data collection. The World Bank’s interest in scaling such tech-enabled systems promises to deliver even greater gains: improved regulatory oversight, smarter resource allocation, and reduced risk of corruption.
Together, these elements signal an evolving regulatory culture—one that is attracting domestic growth, international investment, and setting a new standard for governance in the continent’s mining sector.
What Lies Ahead: Prospects and Pathways
The union between the World Bank and Nigeria’s MCO is more than a headline—it lays the groundwork for tangible progress ahead:
- Deeper Digital Infrastructure
Expect investments in refined digital platforms—from real-time monitoring dashboards to geospatial tracking systems—that can transform how mining operations are regulated and managed. - Targeted Technical Support
The World Bank may provide capacity-building for Nigerian agencies—ensuring they can manage emerging technologies, uphold environmental guidelines, and maintain high transparency standards. - Enhanced Access to Finance
By aligning MCO digital systems with global best practices, Nigeria could unlock direct access to multilateral financing streams tailored to resource-rich economies.
For Nigeria, this is not just about mining more—it’s about mining smarter, cleaner, and more inclusively. As MCO and the World Bank continue to deepen engagement, Nigeria stands to reap dividends that extend far beyond mineral output—human capital development, industrial downstream spin-offs, and long-term prosperity.
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