NRS Takes Over Mineral Royalty Collection Under New Tax Laws
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has officially assumed responsibility for collecting mineral royalties from mining sector operators across the country, effective January 1, 2026. This significant shift in administration follows the enactment of new tax laws by President Bola Tinubu on June 25, 2025, which empower the NRS to manage all federally collectable revenues.
Collaborative Meeting in Abuja
The decision was formalized during a collaborative meeting held on April 2, 2026, between the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, and the NRS Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, at the minister's office in Abuja. The meeting aimed to define cooperative strategies for implementing the mineral royalty administration under the Nigeria Tax Laws 2025.
A joint statement, endorsed by both Alake and Adedeji and made available to journalists on Friday by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser to the NRS chairman, outlined the new framework. According to the statement, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will continue to provide essential technical and regulatory oversight, including mineral pricing data, geological information, and industry coordination to support the royalty process.
Implementation and Sensitization Efforts
To ensure a smooth transition, both institutions have committed to working closely together. Key initiatives include:
- A joint nationwide sensitization program for mining operators, focusing on guiding royalty filing and payment procedures as specified under the new tax laws.
- The development of a modern, end-to-end digital royalty administration system to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Regular joint technical sessions to coordinate efforts and resolve any issues that may arise during implementation.
The statement emphasized that the NRS and the Ministry are fully aligned in their commitment to implementing the new royalty framework in an orderly, transparent manner that supports the growth and development of the solid minerals sector. Operators are encouraged to continue meeting their filing and payment obligations under the new laws and to actively participate in the upcoming sensitization program.
This move is expected to streamline revenue collection processes, reduce administrative overlaps, and foster a more robust mining industry in Nigeria, aligning with broader economic reforms aimed at boosting sectoral contributions to the national economy.
