Nigeria’s coal mining sector has experienced significant growth, with a 57.5 percent increase in the second quarter, according to President Bola Tinubu. This recovery follows a 22 percent decline in the first quarter, making coal mining one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors. The president made this statement during his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.
The solid mineral sector has become a pivotal part of Nigeria’s economy, with the government encouraging value-added production of extracted minerals. President Tinubu’s administration inherited an economy impaired by decades of fiscal policy distortions, but he remains committed to reform. The government chose to embark on a path of fundamental reform, prioritizing the future over short-term comfort. Less than three years later, the effects of these decisions are becoming apparent.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s economy is experiencing rapid growth, with reforms yielding tangible results. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23 percent in the second quarter of 2025, outpacing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) projection of 3.4 percent. Inflation has also declined to 20.12 percent in August 2025, the lowest level in three years.
To ensure sustained economic growth, the government is working to enhance national security. Security agencies are making significant efforts to secure the country and combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. In 2024, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, established the Mining Marshals, a security unit tasked with securing mining sites across the country. The unit has arrested 327 suspects for illegal mining and reclaimed 98 mining sites.
The minister has also introduced a value addition policy, requiring mining companies to present plans for value addition to minerals before obtaining mining licenses. This policy aims to promote the responsible extraction and utilization of Nigeria’s mineral resources. As the country continues to navigate its economic challenges, the growth of the coal mining sector and the implementation of reforms offer a positive outlook for Nigeria’s future. The government’s efforts to enhance security and promote sustainable development are crucial to maintaining this momentum and ensuring the long-term success of the economy.
