Nigeria's Solid Minerals Ministry teams with NIMC to deploy digital ID for mining oversight

Nigeria's Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have entered a partnership to integrate digital identity technology into the country's mining sector. Minister Dele Alake hosted NIMC Director‑General Abisoye Coker‑Odusote in Abuja, emphasizing that reliable identity systems are essential for data‑driven governance, security and investment.

The collaboration aims to improve tracking of licensed operators, curb illegal mining, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and support community development agreements. By linking identity data with mineral‑licensing records, authorities hope to enhance transparency, streamline licensing, and provide better statistical insight for policy making.

Both officials highlighted that the digital identity ecosystem will enable more effective monitoring, enforcement and evidence‑based decision‑making across the solid minerals value chain, positioning Nigeria for a more transparent and secure mining industry.