ECOWAS pushes for unified mining cadastre system, taps Nigeria’s digital model
The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) has expressed strong support for regional collaboration on mining across the ECOWAS bloc, stating that such cooperation would enhance investment prospects in the sector.
This position was made known by the Director-General of the MCO, Mr Obadiah Nkom, during a courtesy visit by a high-level ECOWAS delegation to the organisation’s headquarters on Friday in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Mr William Baidoe-Ansah, Director of the ECOWAS Directorate of Mining and Geo-extractives Development, was in the Nigerian capital to finalise strategic frameworks for a regional Geo-Extractive Observatory and a harmonised Mining Cadastral System.
Comprising national representatives and technical specialists, the delegation’s visit marked a crucial step in building a centralised platform for geo-extractive data across West Africa.
Nkom expressed optimism that cooperation among member states would guarantee access to standardised, credible data through Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms, simplifying the decision-making process for prospective investors.
He stated, “The whole idea of ECOWAS countries working together is to create a unified system that makes it easier for investors to consider the region as a viable investment destination.”
Describing the visit as timely and constructive, Nkom underlined its importance in driving regional integration and accelerating economic development. He noted that streamlined access to mining information would ease the entry of investors into the region.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s own reform journey, Nkom explained that the country’s transition to the Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (EMC+) system in 2022 was part of a broader move to modernise the mining sector and restore investor confidence.
He credited the reforms to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, who he said has been instrumental in promoting accountability and transparency in the industry.
“The drive to sanitise the sector, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister, has already begun yielding results,” Nkom remarked.
Leading the ECOWAS delegation, Baidoe-Ansah noted that the team’s objective was to study Nigeria’s implementation of the EMC+ system as a reference point for the proposed regional model. He said their aim was to harmonise mining cadastre systems across member states, thereby enhancing transparency and investor access.
He stated that a preliminary feasibility study had already validated the concept of a regional geo-extractive observatory, confirming its potential to function effectively.
“This visit marks the second phase of our process. We are now focused on ensuring that every ECOWAS member country aligns with the baseline operational standards necessary for successful integration,” Baidoe-Ansah said.
He commended Nigeria’s adoption of the EMC+ system, describing it as a fully operational, transparent, and accessible platform that can serve as a model for the entire region.
Also speaking during the engagement, Mr Madu Fika, Chief Geologist at Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum, characterised the EMC+ system as a benchmark for digital innovation and openness in West Africa’s extractive sector.
Fika explained that the upcoming regional observatory and mining cadastre system would act as a comprehensive platform for managing mining rights, data, and compliance across ECOWAS countries.
Other delegates at the meeting praised Nigeria’s progress in digitalising its mining framework. They said the visit was a significant step towards establishing common operational benchmarks, reinforcing regional cooperation, and creating an environment conducive to large-scale investment.
The delegates further acknowledged Nigeria’s role in setting the pace for digitisation and transparency in mining, positioning it as a critical player in the ongoing integration effort
