The federal government has announced the revocation of mineral titles of 1,633 holders with a stern warning to the former title holders to vacate the relevant cadastre immediately.

According to Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, security agencies, in collaboration with the Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry, have been authorized to apprehend any defaulters found in the areas where titles have been revoked.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Alake explained that the mineral titles were revoked due to the holders’ failure to pay the prescribed annual service fees on time.

He said despite a 30-day written default notice from the Mining Cadastre Office, the holders were found in violation and non-compliance with their statutory obligations to the government.