Nigeria’s mining industry is on the brink of significant growth, with the potential to become one of the country’s most lucrative sectors as more large-scale projects get underway and exploration continues to expand. Currently, the sector employs over 500,000 people, predominantly in artisanal mining. However, as investments—both local and international—flow into industrial mining activities, this number is expected to rise substantially.
One example of this shift is in Osun State, where local gold miners have traditionally worked using rudimentary tools. With the arrival of foreign mining companies, these small-scale miners are now gaining access to better equipment and training. This transition is not only increasing their productivity but also enabling them to integrate into more formal mining operations. For many, it represents a step toward more stable employment and an opportunity to be part of the broader economic transformation of their communities.
The Nigerian government has set an ambitious target to increase the mining sector’s contribution to GDP from 0.3% to 3% by 2025. This growth is expected to create extensive job opportunities, not just in mining itself but also in ancillary industries like transportation, construction, and processing. For instance, the planned expansion of the railway network is expected to ease the transport of minerals from remote areas to processing hubs, further boosting the sector’s economic impact.
Additionally, skill development is becoming a critical focus of the government’s mining strategy. Training programs aimed at equipping workers with the technical expertise required for modern mining practices are being rolled out. This is vital as more companies invest in local processing plants, which will not only create jobs but also increase the value of Nigeria’s mineral exports. In Osun and Zamfara states, for example, there are ongoing efforts to establish processing facilities to maximise the returns on the region’s gold and tin deposits.
Nigeria’s large youth population and affordable labour make the mining sector particularly attractive for investors. As the government pushes to diversify the economy and reduce unemployment, the mining industry stands as a key pillar of this strategy, offering both job creation and long-term economic growth.
