Overview

The document is a presentation to Nigeria's National Economic Council by the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwaril, on January 28, 2016. It outlines Nigeria's policy and plans for the solid minerals and metals sector. The presentation covers an overview of the current Nigerian mining sector, the Ministry's emerging high-level strategic growth plan, and next steps with anticipated outcomes. Nigeria is endowed with diverse solid minerals across all 36 states and the FCT, including barite, gold, limestone, bitumen, clay, lead-zinc ores, coal, and iron ore. Historically, organized mining began in 1902, with Nigeria becoming a major producer of columbite, tin, and coal. The sector contributed significantly to GDP until the 1970s when oil discovery, indigenization, and declining commodity prices led to its neglect. Since 2007, a wave of reforms has restructured the sector: the Minerals and Mining Act was revised in 2007, regulations issued in 2011, and a mining cadastre office opened to streamline licensing on a 'first come, first served' and 'use it or lose it' basis with a royalty system. The presentation highlights that while foreign and domestic junior miners have entered and confirmed reserves, large-scale mining is limited due to cost and financing issues.

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