FG shifts mineral royalties to NRS

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has officially taken over the collection of mineral royalties from mining operators across the country, following the implementation of the new tax laws.

Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will retain its technical and regulatory oversight responsibilities for the mining sector.

This resolution was reached during a meeting between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, held on Thursday in Abuja to strengthen collaboration on the administration of mineral royalties.

The transition is in line with the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025, which empower the NRS to administer all federally collectable revenues and ensure proper remittance.

In a statement issued on Friday by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman, both institutions confirmed that the transfer of royalty administration took effect from January 1, 2026.

According to the joint statement, signed by both Alake and Adedeji, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to play a key supporting role by supplying mineral pricing data, geological information, and coordinating with stakeholders in the industry.

The statement noted that both agencies have agreed to work closely to ensure mining operators fully understand the new framework and that the implementation process supports the expansion and development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

As part of the new regime, the two institutions will launch a joint nationwide sensitisation programme aimed at educating operators on royalty filing and payment procedures under the updated tax laws.

In addition, plans are underway to develop a modern end-to-end digital royalty administration system, while regular joint technical sessions will be held to address operational challenges and ensure smooth coordination.

Both the Ministry and the NRS reassured mining operators and the general public of their commitment to implementing the new royalty framework in an orderly, transparent, and growth-driven manner.

They also urged operators to continue meeting their filing and payment obligations in line with the new tax laws and to actively participate in the upcoming sensitisation exercise.