The Integrated Automation and Interactive GIS Web Portal, launched in 2017 by Nigeria’s Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to enhance efficiency and transparency in the mining sector, has gone offline, FIJ can report.
The portal, built with an investment of ₦700 million, was intended to simplify processes such as mining licence applications, mineral title processing, and royalty payments. However, the portal has been inaccessible for at least three days, raising concerns about service continuity and compliance with government IT standards.
At its launch, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, described the platform as a key part of improving Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business in the mining sector. The portal was meant to provide timely and reliable information for stakeholders and investors.
FIJ’s investigation revealed that the portal’s downtime violates the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) guidelines, which mandate that government websites must remain available 24/7. Section 7.3.1 of the guidelines clearly states that government websites “must be accessible to the public in a fast and secure manner” at all times.
Furthermore, NITDA requires public agencies to notify users in advance of any planned migration or system upgrades to prevent disruptions. There was no public communication or advisory from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which has recently been rebranded under the Tinubu-led administration.
While it is possible that the ministry is undergoing a system upgrade or migration, the lack of transparency and failure to implement contingency measures is a breach of NITDA’s regulations. These lapses undermine public trust and frustrate stakeholders who rely on the portal for critical services.
The inaccessibility of the mining portal adds to a growing list of transparency and management concerns in Nigeria’s public digital services. In July 2024, FIJ reported that 26 out of 36 state-owned websites failed to meet NITDA’s transparency and operational standards.
Standalone cases of glitches and transparency gaps have been documented in critical platforms, including the police’s cybercrime reporting page and the presidency’s official website. Even the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has called out several government agencies for failing to maintain reliable digital services.
At press time, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development had not issued a statement on the portal’s current status. Stakeholders and members of the public are now demanding immediate action and clear communication from the ministry to restore the service and ensure compliance with NITDA’s regulations.
The downtime of the Integrated Automation and Interactive GIS Web Portal highlights the urgent need for improved management and transparency in Nigeria’s government digital services. As public services increasingly move online, ensuring continuous access, transparency, and compliance with IT standards is essential to building public trust and fostering economic growth.
