By Palma Ileye
Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has commended Nigeria’s cutting-edge Electronic Mining Cadastre Plus, EMC+, system.
This system according to a High Level ECOWAS delegation, who visited the NMCO Headquarters in Abuja yesterday has positioned the country as a regional leader in digital mining governance and transparency.
Giving the commendation, Head of the delegation, Mr. William Baidoe-Ansah, the Director, of the Organisation’s Directorate of Mining and Geo-Extractives Development of the ECOWAS Commission, said that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to establish a unified regional Geo-Extractive Observatory and Cadastral System aimed at harmonizing data and improving governance across West Africa’s extractive sectors.
Baidoe-Ansah, said that the initial feasibility report confirmed the viability of a regional geo-extractive observatory.
According to him, the current visit, constituting the second phase, was to ensure that each Member State complies with the baseline operational standards required for full integration.
He said, “We have moved beyond theory, the first feasibility report confirmed the possibility of a regional geo-extractive observatory.
“This second phase is about ensuring that each Member State meets the baseline operational standards before full integration.”
He said that Nigeria’s EMC+ system had positioned the country advantageously by providing a fully functional, transparent and accessible operational system that serves as a model.
The Head of the delegation noted that Nigeria’s achievements offer both inspiration and a working template for replication saying that, “We have moved beyond theory. Our first feasibility study showed that a regional system is viable. We’re now reviewing the second phase to ensure each member state meets the minimum operational standard before integration.”
He noted that the ECOWAS Harmonised Development Policy for Mining and Hydrocarbons, adopted in 2024, mandates all Member States to align with regional digital platforms saying that, “Nigeria is far ahead, and that’s why we’re here. Today, we witnessed a practical, functional, and exemplary system in operation.”
Speaking during the visit, Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, MCO, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, said that the synergy within the ECOWAS region on mining will boost investment opportunities in the sector describing the engagement as a moment of pride for Nigeria.
Nkom, “This visit is not just a validation of our work at the MCO, but an honour for Nigeria as a whole.”
He expressed confidence that the synergy would ensure access to harmonised and verifiable data using Geographic Information System, GIS, platforms stating that “The essence of the Member States coming together is to ensure that they have a platform that will be easier for investors coming to ECOWAS to be able to invest.”
He said that the EMC+ system, operational since November 1, 2022, enables real-time online management of mineral titles, improves investor access, and enhances operational efficiency.
He said, “Our journey from irregular, paper-based records to a fully digitized, web-based system has placed Nigeria at the forefront of mining transparency and governance in Africa.
“A harmonized regional system will eliminate fragmentation. Investors will no longer need to adapt to different systems in every country. Nigeria’s progress can serve as a catalyst for widespread adoption across ECOWAS.”
The MCO boss acknowledged support from international partners including the African Development Bank saying that their involvement signaled growing confidence in Nigeria’s mining reforms.
He also credited regulatory milestones like the 2011 Mining Regulations as foundational to the country’s success emphasizing that, “This is a technically driven sector. Our systems are built by engineers and geologists—not politicians—and must reflect technical precision and integrity.”
The DG confirmed that the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, was fully briefed and supportive of the initiative.
“The Minister is deeply committed to regional collaboration and may even join us impromptu because of his passion for this vision,” he added.
Also, a delegate and Chief Geologist from Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mr. Madu Hassan Fika, described Nigeria’s EMC+ system as a game changer and model of digital excellence and transparency in the extractive sector in West Africa.
“My impression was simply marvellous. I never expected to see such technological advancement. This visit has changed my perception of the depth of innovation happening at the MCO.
“When the ECOWAS system launches, it will highlight Nigeria’s capabilities to the world and attract greater investment,” he said.
Fika said that the proposed regional geo-extractive observatory and cadastral system was aimed at providing a one-stop shop for the entire region’s cadastral system.
He thanked the MCO leadership and staff for their hospitality and forward-thinking innovation saying, “We appreciate what you’re doing here. God bless you all.”
At the visit, Mr. Eugene Norman, Head of the Mining Cadastre Office of Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of peer learning.
He said, “As West African countries, we are working towards a harmonized mining and geo-observatory system. Nigeria’s experience provides a clear roadmap. It is vital that we learn what works and what challenges exist so we can replicate success across the region.
When all member states reach this level, we amplify our regional capacity, boost investor confidence, and enhance transparency.”
Other delegates also emphasised the significance of the visit in harmonising operational standards across all Member States, amplifying collective achievements, and fostering investor confidence throughout the region.
They also commended Nigeria’s advancements in digitising its operational system.
Note, the visit marks a pivotal step in ECOWAS’ efforts to foster sustainable development and good governance in the extractive sector. With Nigeria setting the pace through its digital transformation, the region also moves closer to a future where data harmonization, transparency, and investment-readiness become the standard across all Member States.
The delegation, comprising technical experts and national representatives, was in Abuja to finalise frameworks for a regional Geo-Extractive Observatory and Mining Cadastral System.
