Tinubu: Nigeria Too Rich In Minerals To Be Poor
By AUGUSTINA McSOLOMON-OGHAKPERUO
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has no reason to remain poor, given its vast reserves of natural resources and abundant human talent.
Speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, Tinubu — represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume — called for the transformation of the country’s solid minerals into tangible development outcomes.
“Minerals to Miracles must be our rallying cry,” he said, emphasizing that Nigeria’s mineral wealth should power industrialization, job creation, and national prosperity.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making mining zones safe, transparent, and investor-friendly, stressing that Africa’s future lies in responsible resource management that benefits local communities.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) urged the government to adopt a more coordinated and transparent regulatory framework to attract sustainable investments.
NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, revealed that while mining revenue grew from ₦339.57 billion in 2022 to ₦401.87 billion in 2023, the sector’s contribution to the GDP remains below 1%, highlighting the urgency of reforms.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, stated that ongoing reforms aim to establish the mining sector as a central pillar for economic diversification and sustainable growth.
