Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Sector: A New Economic Frontier – Insights from AA Zaura
Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura, also known as AA Zaura, has identified the solid mineral sector as a key driver of economic growth for Nigeria in the face of current challenges. As the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the Kano Central senatorial seat in the 2023 elections, Zaura has highlighted the untapped potential of solid minerals as a viable alternative to the country’s heavy reliance on crude oil.
A seasoned business mogul and philanthropist, Zaura has underscored the importance of the Federal Government earnestly exploring the solid mineral sector to diversify the nation’s sources of revenue. Drawing from his extensive experience in Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, and Real Estate Finance and Development, he has emphasized the need to shift attention away from oil to solid minerals for sustainable economic growth.
Zaura has personally delved into the mining industry in the early 2000s, specifically in tantalite and tourmaline mining. He has emphasized that Nigeria possesses abundant resources beyond oil, but the solid mineral sector has been largely overlooked due to the dominant focus on oil as the primary source of income.
To advocate for the potential of solid minerals, Zaura has made a compelling comparison between the value of gold and that of oil. He has pointed out that a gramme of gold is considerably more valuable than a barrel of oil, signifying the immense financial prospects within the mineral resources sector. Furthermore, he has identified key regions such as Zamfara and Niger as abundant sources of gold, suggesting that the exploration of these deposits would significantly contribute to the nation’s revenue.
Zaura has also highlighted the pressing issue of insecurity in regions where solid minerals are abundant, attributing it to political interests. He has stressed the need for a concerted effort to address this challenge in order to fully harness the potential of the solid mineral sector.
In addition to addressing security concerns, Zaura has stressed the urgency of combating illegal mining activities, which have impeded the sector’s ability to make substantial contributions to the country’s revenue. He has emphasized the critical role of the government in ensuring the protection of resources and attracting investors to the mining industry through the provision of a conducive environment.
Commending the current administration for its dedication to revitalizing the solid mineral sector, Zaura has expressed optimism about the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s government in bolstering the industry. He has highlighted the administration’s focus on mineral resources and its support for the Ministry of Solid Minerals, foreseeing significant opportunities and revenue as a result.
While outlining the government’s role in facilitating the growth of the solid mineral sector, Zaura has emphasized the need for a concerted effort to attract investors to the communities where these resources are located. He has underscored the potential for substantial economic gain through the development of the solid mineral sector, underlining the importance of government support and a secure investment environment.
As Nigeria navigates its economic challenges and seeks sustainable sources of revenue, the insights shared by AA Zaura shed light on the transformative potential of the solid mineral sector. With a concerted focus on addressing insecurity, combatting illegal mining, and creating an enabling environment for investment, Nigeria stands to unlock a new frontier of economic growth through its rich and diverse solid mineral resources.
