By: Business day

Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has posted one of its strongest performances in recent years, contributing 1.8% to the nation's GDP and recording a remarkable 4.61% growth in the second quarter of 2025, according to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Dele Alake, minister of Solid Minerals Development, disclosed the figures at a media briefing ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, attributing the surge to the Federal Government's sustained reforms and tightening of regulatory frameworks in the mining industry.

"Ten years ago, mining contributed less than 0.5% to GDP. Today, it stands at 1.8%, and the latest NBS data showing 4.61% growth in Q2 2025 clearly demonstrates that our reforms are working," Alake said.

He explained that the impressive figures translate into more mines in operation, increased investor participation, and greater economic impact on mining host communities.

The minister emphasised that the reforms — focused on transparency, investment protection, and enforcement of compliance — have repositioned the sector as a viable pillar for economic diversification.

Alake reaffirmed that the government would not reverse course despite resistance from entrenched interests, noting that the revocation of dormant and defaulting mining licenses will continue.

"We are enforcing the 'Use It or Lose It' clause to ensure only serious investors operate in the sector," he said.

To consolidate gains, the minister announced plans to establish a Minerals Pre-Shipment Agency to enhance export monitoring and revenue assurance.

He also revealed ongoing efforts to deploy satellite surveillance systems across mining sites and double the number of Mining Marshals to curb illegal mining and strengthen on-ground regulation.

Alake reiterated the administration's determination to make solid minerals a key growth driver in Nigeria's economic transformation.

"No amount of threat or blackmail will derail our mission. Mining will take its rightful place as a leading contributor to GDP," he stated.

Industry players, including Dele Ayanleke, president of the Miners Association of Nigeria, commended the Ministry's progress and called for sustained implementation of reforms to deepen investor confidence.

The 10th Nigeria Mining Week, themed "Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance," will be held from October 13–15, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

Economists say the 4.61% sectoral growth reflects the solid minerals industry's potential to become a major contributor to national revenue and job creation — a sign that Nigeria's diversification agenda is gaining real traction.