Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Resources

A report from the Nigerian Geological Survey shows that Nigeria has over 40 solid mineral resources.
(Punch Newspaper of Nigeria, March 25th 2012.)

The list shows that Gold and Tantalite have been discovered in 9 of the 36 states in Nigeria, and Gemstones in 11 states. The report goes on to show that other solid minerals discovered include Silver, Uranium, Copper, Marl, Chromite, Trona, Zinc, Magnesite and Diatomite, all in various levels of commercial quantities. Please take a look at the table below.

Isn’t it disheartening to note, as per the below map, that Nigeria is only known for oil export? With so much diverse potential foreign earning generating products, should Nigeria not be focusing on the diversification of its economy instead of a mono-economy?

Image: Bank of America Merrill Lynch - The map uses 2014 data from the CIA World Factbook.

In addition here is a download link to the Book of States PDF published by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.