Nigeria to digitize mining sector, track operators with national ID

Nigeria's Federal Government is set to digitize its mining sector by leveraging the national digital identity infrastructure. The goal is to enhance regulation, track mining operators, and curb illegal mining activities across the country.

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NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology, and credible identity systems.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, discussed collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote. The partnership aims to integrate digital identity systems into the solid minerals sector, thereby improving governance, regulatory compliance, and the monitoring of mining operations.

Alake emphasized the critical role of reliable identity management and accurate data in modern governance. He stated that effective tracking of both legal and illegal mining operations is essential for tackling insecurity and strengthening enforcement. A credible identity ecosystem, he believes, will bolster regulation and support efforts to "sanitize" the sector.

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Without identification, we cannot trace; we cannot track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective tracking of both legal and illegal operations.

The NIMC Act 2026 provides a strengthened legal framework for Nigeria's digital identity ecosystem, opening new avenues for inter-agency collaboration. Integrating NIMC's infrastructure is expected to improve data integration, bolster regulatory compliance, and enhance overall security within the mining industry.

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A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement, and support our efforts to sanitise the sector.