Abuja, Nigeria — August 2025
The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has announced significant year-on-year growth in the production of gold, limestone, and bitumen, signaling renewed investor confidence and contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic growth.
The announcement comes at a strategic time, just weeks before the Nigeria Mining Week 2025, an event expected to bring together international investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to showcase Nigeria’s expanding mining landscape.
Gold Production on the Rise
According to MAN, gold production in Nigeria has experienced a sharp increase, driven by improved exploration activities, stronger regulatory oversight, and the entry of foreign mining firms. This growth not only boosts Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings but also creates new jobs across artisanal and industrial mining communities.
“Gold is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most bankable resources,” said a MAN spokesperson. “Our goal is to ensure more value addition locally through refining and downstream industries rather than just exporting raw ores.”
Limestone as a Driver of Industrial Growth
The surge in limestone production is also fueling Nigeria’s cement and construction industries. MAN noted that increasing demand from infrastructure development projects has accelerated quarrying activities across states such as Ogun, Kogi, and Cross River.
Experts say the growth in limestone output will directly support Nigeria’s ambition to be a hub for construction materials in West Africa.
Bitumen Potential Unlocking New Opportunities
Nigeria is home to one of the largest deposits of bitumen globally, and MAN reported steady progress in unlocking this underutilized resource. With rising global demand for road construction materials and petrochemical feedstock, the expansion of bitumen production is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
Industry analysts believe that with the right investments, Nigeria could become a major exporter of processed bitumen in Africa within the next decade.
Boosting Jobs and Economic Diversification
The combined growth in gold, limestone, and bitumen production is already creating thousands of new jobs, particularly in mining host communities. It also plays a key role in Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy, reducing dependence on crude oil revenues.
The Miners Association emphasized that the sector’s progress will be highlighted at the upcoming Nigeria Mining Week 2025, where stakeholders will discuss strategies to further unlock the nation’s mineral wealth responsibly and sustainably.
Outlook for the Mining Sector
With Nigeria’s solid minerals sector gaining momentum, stakeholders believe that the increased production of gold, limestone, and bitumen represents a turning point for mining investment. The expectation is that sustained growth will enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a reliable global supplier of both precious metals and industrial minerals.
