COUNTRY IN FOCUS •
The Great Green Wall initiative has restored more than five million hectares of land, while Nigeria’ s extensive mangrove ecosystems provide vital carbon storage and coastal flood protection. The government’ s climate strategy is explicitly tied to economic development, linking decarbonisation to job creation, poverty alleviation and improved energy security. Nigeria aims to secure a substantial share of the USD2.2-trillion global clean energy market by 2035.
This transformation is already visible. More than 170 solar mini-grids are currently operational, bringing electricity to nearly six million people. At the same time, young entrepreneurs are driving innovation in recycling, sustainable transport and climate-smart agriculture.
Road map for mining To unlock the mining sector’ s potential, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has designed a detailed Mining Road Map. The plan emphasises the need to develop industrial minerals for domestic use, expand energy minerals for local power generation, and revive the steel industry as a cornerstone of manufacturing. Institutional reform is central to this vision, with efforts directed at building capacity within the ministry, strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving policy consistency, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
The strategy also highlights the importance of engaging both states and local communities. Greater co-ordination on revenue sharing, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and public education is seen as essential to building public trust. At the same time, Nigeria seeks to attract major mining companies by stabilising long-term policy, while also supporting junior miners through improved access to funding. Formalising artisanal and small-scale mining is another priority, with initiatives aimed at organising co-operatives, improving productivity, and addressing health and social concerns.
The road map further calls for investment in geosciences to expand the availability and quality of geological data, while ensuring this information is archived and accessible to investors. Building technical and managerial skills locally, creating social equity in the labour force, and providing ancillary infrastructure are all seen as vital to the sustainable growth of the sector.
Outlook With a rich geological base, ambitious infrastructure programmes and a clear renewable energy agenda, Nigeria stands at a pivotal point in its economic transformation. The challenge lies in establishing a stable regulatory environment, expanding investment, and ensuring inclusive growth. If successfully implemented, Nigeria’ s mining strategy and its green energy transition could significantly reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and position the country as a central player in Africa’ s industrial and environmental future. •
Nigeria has approved an ambitious USD2.4-trillion master plan to address its infrastructure deficit.