An Overview of Nigeria's Mineral Production: 2017-2018

The Nigerian mining sector holds significant potential for economic diversification, moving the nation away from its heavy dependence on crude oil exports. During the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years, the sector experienced a phase of structured transition, marked by increased attention from the federal government and a push for formalization in the artisanal and small-scale mining sectors.

Context of the Industry

Nigeria possesses a vast array of solid minerals, including gold, coal, bitumen, iron ore, limestone, and lead-zinc. However, throughout 2017 and 2018, the sector faced systemic challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding gaps, and the prevalence of illegal mining operations. Despite these obstacles, the governments Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector aimed to enhance domestic value addition and increase the sectors contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Performance Trends 20172018

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) during this period highlighted an increase in both production volumes and revenue generation. The rise in output for minerals such as limestone and granite was largely driven by the growing demand in the domestic construction and cement manufacturing industries.

Key Mineral Outputs

Several minerals dominated the production landscape during these two years:

• Limestone: As the primary raw material for cement production, limestone remained the most significant mineral by volume. Production consistently increased as cement manufacturing companies expanded their plant capacities.
• Granite: Following the trends in urban development and road construction, the production of granite and related aggregates saw steady growth throughout 2017 and 2018.
• Lead-Zinc: Nigeria remained a significant exporter of lead-zinc, with increased activity noted in states like Ebonyi, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
• Gold: While much of the gold production remained informal, there was a heightened effort by the government to register artisanal miners and curb illicit trading, which began to reflect in better tracking of production data.

Comparative Production Data Highlights

While exact figures fluctuated based on reporting mechanisms, the period saw a notable year-on-year growth in total tonnage produced. The following table provides a general summary of the mineral sector's performance trajectory:

Mineral Type	2017 Trend	2018 Trend
Limestone	High Growth	High Growth
Granite	Stable	Moderate Growth
Coal	Emerging	Increased Exploration
Lead-Zinc	Active Export	Active Export

Policy Impact and Challenges

The 2017 and 2018 period was characterized by the implementation of the "Mining Incentives Policy." These initiatives included tax holidays for new investors, lower import duties on mining equipment, and the establishment of the Solid Minerals Development Fund. These policies were designed to catalyze production, though the results were gradual due to the long gestation periods typical of mining investments.

Challenges remained persistent. In 2018, the sector continued to struggle with insecurity in various mining host communities, which disrupted production schedules. Furthermore, the lack of accurate geological data hindered large-scale foreign investment, forcing many stakeholders to rely on historical data or expensive independent surveys.

Conclusion

The years 2017 and 2018 served as a foundational period for Nigerias solid minerals sector. The growth in production was not merely a matter of extraction but a reflection of the evolving policy environment. While the sector did not immediately replace oil as the primary driver of the economy, the trends established in 2017 and 2018 laid the groundwork for the increased formalization and industrial-scale operations that the nation continues to strive for today.