Nigeria earned  N69.2bn from solid minerals in 2015 – NEITI report

ABUJA. Nigeria earned N69.2 billion from the solid minerals sector in 2015, an increase of 24% on the N55.8 billion earned from the sector in 2014.

This disclosure is contained in the latest independent audit report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) released on Sunday following the approval of the report by the National Stakeholders Working Group, which is the board of NEITI.

The audit report disclosed that the total production of solid minerals in the country stood at 39.27 million tons. This represents a reduction of 17% from the 47.1 million tons produced in 2014.  The drop in 2015’s production was attributed to insecurity in parts of the country and more stringent approval process for explosives used in mining.

However, while mineral production reduced, government revenues went up in the same year.  “This increase in revenue was due to the growth in taxes collected from the sector and review of royalty rates paid by companies which came into effect within the year under review,” the report stated.  NEITI’s previous solid minerals audit reports had recommended upward review of Nigeria’s royalty rates to align with prevailing industry and present day realities.

The report also disclosed that the value of solid minerals exports in 2015 stood at $9.733 million, which was 1.45% of non-oil exports for the year. Lead and zinc topped the chart with 79% valued at $7.7 million, while 175 ounces of gold valued at only $122,000 were exported during the period.

The report showed that the solid minerals sector contributed 0.12% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015, a marginal increase of 0.01% on the 0.11% contribution of the sector to GDP in 2014.

“This report shows evidence that the contribution of the solid minerals sector to government revenues and macro-economic indicators is beginning to improve, even if marginally,” said Waziri Adio, NEITI’s Executive Secretary.

“The sector could definitely contribute more to revenues, job and wealth creation, exports, imports substitution, industrial development and overall national growth.”

“But there is a sign of progress already,” Adio added. “What we need to do is to build on, deepen and sustain this early promise to ensure that the country returns to being a major mining destination and maximizes the abundant opportunities offered by the sector”.

“Faithful and sustained implementation of the roadmap developed by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and of the recommendations in this report will be necessary.”

The report highlighted the specific contributions by companies and states to the sector revenue growth and development.

“Cement manufacturing companies were the major revenue contributors to the sector, accounting for over 60%, while construction companies and real mining companies contribute about 31% and 8% respectively. For instance, three states- Ogun, Kogi and Cross River and the FCT accounted for about 70% of the production volumes in 2015. However, Ogun state topped the table with 36%”.

According to the report, a total of 4,305 mineral titles were valid in 2015. Of this figure, 204 were mining leases, 657 were for small scale mining, 1,865 were for quarrying licenses while exploration licenses accounted for the remaining 1579.  It noted that 1,220 of the 4,305 mining titles were issued in 2015 alone.

Adio disclosed that the NEITI 2015 Oil and Gas report will be released next month. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Board to ensuring that its reports are more timely.