SITTING ON A GOLD MINE. (WHY OUR SUFFERING?)

 In the year 1960, a country was birth called Nigeria. They got their freedom in the hands of the British colony and became a republic in 1963. We were amalgamated, which makes us unique and diverse, blessed with solid mineral resources attached with other precious benefits such as land mass covering 356,668 sq miles (923,7770 sq kilometres). It is about the same size as California, Nevada and Utah combined. 

Nigeria is diverse in people and culture. The history of the country goes back to 500 BC when the Nok people were the inhabitants. An estimated population of 233.8 million is the sixth most populated in the world. Good atmospheric conditions, blessed with highly intelligent people, and culture. Our inheritance was so great and impressive. 

God has destined us to live in wealth that hardly would other Nations compete with us, but our unaccountable leaders and corruptible impediment act led us to a detrimental financial mess, developmental backwardness, economic retrogression, and unlove, which led us to unproductivity compared to others, fast thinking developed nations that at less blessed compare to us. Our case is just like a "prodigal son" who squandered his inheritance which he was blessed with. It was so pathetic, and miserable! 

Our nonchalant attitude caused Nigeria to keep losing huge amounts by not regulating our mining industry, and we believe that all 744 local governments in Nigeria experience illegal mining. According to  BUSINESS DAY https://businessday.ng/news/article/how-illegal-mining-is-robbing-nigeria-blind/

The abysmal contribution of 0.63 per cent by the nation’s solid minerals sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) continues to befuddle the imagination of industry watchers who believe the sector is capable of contributing as high as 10-35 per cent, as done in other mining nations.

Over Forty-four solid minerals found in commercial quantities are spread across the 36 states of the federation and FCT, Abuja. Imagine the percentage! These alone can make us a world economic giant and a leading nation, but here we are fellow Nigerians. 

I will delve more into our mineral resources as this article will point it out accordingly:

Nigeria is still the major producer of natural gas, followed by Algeria and, Egypt. Consistently the major oil producers in Africa. 

Iron Ore. There are over 3 billion metric tonnes of iron ore in deposits found in Kogi, used for the production of steel in Enugu and Niger States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Coal in Nigeria has significant coal reserves and is one of the most bituminous in the world owing to its low sulphur and ash content and therefore, the most environment-friendly. Which are mainly found in Enugu, Benue, and Kogi states. Coal is used in the production of electricity and as a fuel.

Gypsum. There are several gypsum mineral resources in Nigeria. The most prominent is the Sokoto-Gwandu Gypsum Deposit, located in Sokoto State.

Petroleum and other liquids. Nigeria held an estimated 37.1 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves at the beginning of 2023. Nigeria produces mostly. Nigeria is also a major petroleum producer with large reserves of crude oil and natural gas.

Salt – Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, Cross River. Tin – Jos, Bauchi. Manufacturing and solid mineral development areas: Gold processing, Processing of salt from. There are nearly 3 billion tonnes of indicated reserves in 17 identified coal fields and over 600 million tonnes of proven reserves. Rock Salt The National.

Bitumen. The occurrence of bitumen deposits in Nigeria is indicated at about 42 billion tonnes; almost twice the amount of existing reserves of crude petroleum.

Gemstone mining has boomed in various parts of Plateau, Kaduna and Bauchi states for years. Some of these gemstones include sapphire, ruby, aquamarine, and emerald.

Limestone is a critical resource used in the production of cement, building materials, and other industrial products. Nigeria has significant limestone.

Natural gas is another significant resource found in Nigeria. It is used in the production of electricity, heating, and cooking.

Talc. Over 40 million tonnes of deposits of talc have been identified in Niger, Osun, Kogi, Ogun and Kaduna states. The Raw Materials Research and Development.

Bentonite and Baryte. These are the main constituents of the mud used in the drilling of all types of oil wells. The Nigerian baryte has specific gravity. Baryte has been identified in Taraba and Bauchi States.

Tin is a vital resource used in the production of tinplate, which is used in the packaging of food and beverages. Tin – Jos, Bauchi. Manufacturing and solid mineral development areas: Gold processing, Processing of salt from seawater, timber/wood processing, Stone.

Gold is a precious metal used in the production of jewellery and other luxury items. Nigeria has significant gold reserves, which are mainly found in the southern-western part of Nigeria.

Lead and zinc are essential resources used in the production of batteries, alloys, and other industrial products. Nigeria has significant lead and zinc.

Kaolin is a critical resource used in the production of ceramics, paper, and other industrial products. Nigeria has significant kaolin reserves. Etc

Petroleum, Gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks, and laterite also settled in Kwara state

These are just a few of the solid minerals we were blessed with and sat on in Nigeria; instead of being a source of revenue, it's rather a source of income for other countries migrating to Nigeria, and citizens venturing into mining business whereby they were operating illegally. Does it mean that our leaders are not aware of these atrocities carried out by this set of unscrupulous miners?

Justice will prevail, and nemesis will catch up one day as soon as our leader portrays the spirit of sportsmanship and in their magnanimity, the culprit shall be apprehended, brought to book, and they will regret their actions over time. 

Any Nation without a good leadership heart cannot administer or drive the nation moving forward nor lay a good foundation for the present and unborn child. With what God bestowed us with, I think the unemployment rate from 4.52% in 2024 will be reduced drastically if all these are properly managed. https://www.statista.com/outlook/co/socioeconomic-indicators/nigeria

When will this country meet up with other developed Nations? 

What are the causes of our problem?

Can't we, for once determine to look inward and do the right thing for a better Nigeria? 

God has placed us on the platter of gold 🥇  does it mean we cannot utilise all these resources? 

Time will tell dear compatriots 🤷‍♂️

When we collectively unite with one voice and judiciously agree on a way forward, asking for dialogue in proffer solutions with the help of our creator, I think we can move mountains. 

Nigerian is celebrating 64 years of independence today; what have we achieve compare to our inheritance and exploration...

Don't forget to share this article with others for a better Nigeria.

Afolayan Gbenga

YORUBA HERITAGE