ECOWAS hails Nigeria’s eMC+ portal as regional model

Abuja,Nigeria:The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria’s Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) portal, describing it as a regional model for promoting transparency and efficiency in the extractive sector.

This endorsement came during a high-level visit by ECOWAS technical experts and national representatives to the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) in Abuja, where discussions were held to advance the framework for a regional Geo-Extractive Observatory and Mining Cadastral System.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Baidoe Williams praised the Nigerian government for its innovation and commitment to reforming the mining sector through the deployment of a robust digital platform. He noted that the eMC+ system offers a comprehensive and transparent database that could serve as a standard for other African countries.

“This visit allows us to gain firsthand insight into Nigeria’s implementation of the system. As is customary within ECOWAS, once a model is introduced, member states must deliberate and reach consensus before it is adopted regionally,” Williams said.

Also speaking, ECOWAS National Expert Chairman, Madu Hassan Fika, lauded Nigeria for being among the first in the region to successfully transition to an electronic cadastre system. He expressed optimism that other member states would adopt similar platforms to support the broader goal of establishing a unified geo-extractive data hub for West Africa.

“The vision is to develop a one-stop platform for the region’s mining cadastre systems, and Nigeria’s success offers a valuable blueprint,” Fika said.

Director-General of the NMCO, Obadiah Nkom, welcomed the delegation and highlighted that the adoption of the eMC+ portal in 2022 was a strategic move to attract investment and improve sector governance. He noted that the platform is anchored in the 2011 Mining Regulations and reflects principles of transparency, investor confidence, and technical integrity.

“Nigeria’s progress in digitising its mining cadastre is not just for national benefit—it’s a contribution to regional development,” Nkom stated. “With a harmonised system across ECOWAS, investors can access reliable geological data in a transparent and coordinated manner.”

Nkom also credited recent successes in the mining sector to reforms championed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, whose policies have focused on creating an investor-friendly and accountable operating environment.

As part of the visit, the delegation received a live demonstration of the eMC+ system and toured the operational facilities of the Mining Cadastre Office.

By Enoch odesola/May 17,2025