The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assumed responsibility for collecting mineral royalties from mining operators nationwide, following a new directive under recently enacted tax laws.
Despite the shift, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to handle technical and regulatory oversight of the mining sector.
The decision was finalised during a meeting between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the NRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja. A joint statement confirming the development was later issued by the NRS through its spokesman, Dare Adekanmbi.
According to the statement, the new arrangement took effect from January 1, 2026, in line with tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025.
It explained that while the NRS will now oversee royalty collection, the ministry will remain a key technical partner, providing mineral pricing data, geological insights, and industry coordination to support the process.
Both agencies also agreed to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth transition and proper implementation of the new framework. This includes plans for a nationwide sensitisation programme to guide mining operators on how to comply with the updated royalty filing and payment procedures.
In addition, authorities said a modern digital system will be introduced to manage royalty administration from end to end, alongside regular technical engagements to address emerging issues.
The government assured stakeholders that the new system would be transparent, orderly, and supportive of growth in the solid minerals sector. Mining operators were urged to comply fully with the new requirements and actively participate in the upcoming awareness programmes.
