The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Chidi Onyia, has emphasized the crucial role of Nigeria’s mining sector in driving sustainable development, urging stakeholders to pivot towards renewable energy and maximize the sector’s untapped potential.
Speaking at Amaopara community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Wednesday, during a relocation exercise for residents living on mining grounds, Onyia outlined the urgency of strengthening the mining industry amid global shifts towards green energy.
“The country cannot fully develop until we start looking towards the solid minerals sector,” Onyia declared. “Oil is already phasing out, and as we transition to renewable energy, the greater percentage of what we will need to power this new phase of life will come from the solid minerals sector.”
Advocating for Reform and Sustainability
Onyia highlighted the historic exploitation of mining resources in Ebonyi State, acknowledging that communities have often been left vulnerable to environmental hazards and displacement without adequate compensation.
“We all know that before now, there have been miners in Ebonyi State, but the rights and privileges of our people concerning mining were being denied,” Onyia said. “Since this administration came on board, we took it upon ourselves to ensure compliance with the Mining Act, which mandates the relocation of natives living in mining areas to safer grounds.”
The relocation effort is part of a broader initiative to address the adverse effects of mining on local communities, including land degradation, health risks, and economic disruptions.
Mining Sector as a Catalyst for Energy Transition
The commissioner’s remarks come as Nigeria faces growing challenges from dwindling oil reserves and the global push for decarbonization. Experts suggest that Nigeria’s vast deposits of critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, and manganese—can be leveraged to support renewable energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries.
Onyia stressed that harnessing these resources will require robust investment, policy reforms, and collaboration between federal and state governments. “The mining sector is poised to be the backbone of Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy, but only if we take concrete steps to strengthen it and protect the rights of our people,” he stated.
A Call to Action for Stakeholders
Onyia called on stakeholders, including private investors, environmental groups, and community leaders, to prioritize sustainable mining practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic benefits for local populations.
“Strengthening the solid minerals sector is not just about economic growth—it’s about safeguarding our future in the face of dwindling oil assets,” Onyia concluded.
The event at Amaopara underscores the Ebonyi State government’s commitment to balancing economic progress with social and environmental responsibility. However, it also highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s mining sector, including regulatory gaps, illegal mining, and insufficient community engagement.
As Nigeria seeks to position itself as a leader in the global renewable energy transition, Onyia’s call for reform and investment in solid minerals may mark a turning point for the sector and its potential to drive the nation’s development.