Unleashing Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Potential: A Case for True Federalism

Nigeria, a nation blessed with an abundance of natural resources, is currently grappling with the paradox of poverty overshadowing its wealth. This issue is commonly attributed to leadership inadequacies; however, the problem runs much deeper. Political leaders have consistently failed to fulfill their campaign promises, resulting in a nation that struggles economically.

A significant factor contributing to this predicament is the neglect of Nigeria’s substantial solid minerals reserves. Despite the presence of 44 different solid minerals in 500 communities, the country has disproportionately focused on crude oil, neglecting these valuable resources. This overreliance on oil has fostered a culture of complacency and economic laziness, leading to an increased dependence on imports for essential items and a lack of economic diversification.

The consequences of this negligence are evident in the escalating prices of essential commodities, the prevalence of poverty, and the rising number of out-of-school children in the country. Moreover, the rise in illegal mining activities in states rich in gold, such as Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna, has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in conflicts and insecurity.

Nevertheless, the potential for economic transformation lies in Nigeria’s vast reserves of solid minerals, including gold, lithium, cobalt, barite, bitumen, and coal, found abundantly across the nation. Despite this wealth, the solid minerals sector contributes less than one percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a concerning disparity given the available resources.

The neglect of the solid minerals sector, combined with challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, financing, and outdated legislation, has obstructed its development. However, there is optimism for the revitalization of this sector, particularly with the current Minister of Solid Minerals Development demonstrating a commitment to reform and progress.

A key obstacle to unlocking the potential of solid minerals lies in the centralization of control over mineral exploitation in the 1999 Constitution, which limits the involvement of states and local governments. This limitation is counterproductive and hinders the maximization of this valuable resource.

To address this issue, constitutional reforms are crucial to allow states and local governments to participate in the exploitation of solid minerals. This inclusive approach will not only create opportunities for economic growth but also help combat illegal mining activities by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local communities.

In addition to constitutional reforms, implementing enhanced security measures at mining sites is pivotal to unlocking the full potential of the solid minerals sector. Drawing from the success of Ghana’s Operation Vanguard in curbing illegal artisanal mining, Nigeria can improve security measures to create a conducive environment for sustainable mining practices.

Furthermore, diversifying export markets beyond the current major partners would open up new opportunities for economic growth and development. Achieving these reforms will necessitate collaboration between stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as a commitment to addressing the structural constraints that have impeded the sector’s progress.

In conclusion, revitalizing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is not only an economic necessity but also a means of promoting genuine federalism and inclusive development. By unlocking the potential of these abundant resources and embracing a collaborative, inclusive approach, Nigeria can pave a path towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all its citizens.