Unlock Nigeria’s Mineral Wealth to Build Industries, Create Jobs, Ijele Nwanyi, Chief Mrs Ezenwa Urges Tinubu
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ABUJA — Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa, Ijele Nwanyi Igbo Nile, a delegate to the 2014 National Conference, and an advocate for constitutional and economic reforms, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders to prioritise the development of Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources as a catalyst for industrialisation, employment generation and sustainable economic growth.
In an open letter titled “What Lies Beneath the Soil of Nigeria?”, Ezenwa argued that despite widespread perceptions of economic hardship, Nigeria remains one of the world’s most naturally endowed countries, possessing an extensive array of mineral resources capable of transforming its economy if properly managed.
Addressing President Tinubu, the National Assembly, state governors, traditional rulers, the private sector, civil society organisations and Nigerians, she stressed that the country’s prosperity lies not only in its crude oil reserves but also in the enormous mineral wealth spread across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Nigeria is not a poor nation,” she declared. “We are a nation blessed beyond measure. Beneath our soil lie crude oil, natural gas, gold, lithium, iron ore, coal, limestone, bitumen, tin, lead, zinc, barite, kaolin, gypsum, marble, gemstones, phosphate, silica sand, and many other valuable minerals spread across our 36 states and the FCT.”
According to Ijele Nwanyi Ezenwa, these natural resources provide the raw materials required for critical industries that drive modern economies, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, telecommunications and renewable energy.
“These resources are the foundation of industries that build roads, homes, hospitals, schools, power plants, vehicles, aircraft, computers, mobile phones, solar panels, medicines, fertilizers, and modern technology.”
Nigeria Well Positioned for Global Energy Transition
The Regional Coordinator of the Market Sector Advocacy noted that global demand for strategic minerals is increasing rapidly as countries invest heavily in clean energy technologies, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
She observed that Nigeria possesses many of the critical minerals needed to participate competitively in this emerging global economy.
“The world is changing. Countries are racing to secure the minerals needed for clean energy, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology. Nigeria has many of these strategic resources.”
Rather than focusing solely on resource extraction, Ezenwa challenged policymakers to convert the nation’s natural endowments into sustainable economic opportunities.
“The question is not whether Nigeria has wealth. The question is whether we will transform that wealth into jobs, industries, stronger institutions, and a better quality of life for our people.”
Value Addition Should Replace Raw Material Exports
The former National Conference delegate advocated a shift from the export of raw minerals to domestic processing and manufacturing, arguing that such a strategy would generate significantly greater economic value while creating employment for millions of Nigerians.
She painted a picture of a diversified economy where mining supports industrial production and technological innovation.
“Imagine a Nigeria where every mineral is responsibly explored, processed within the country, and turned into finished products before export. Imagine young Nigerians employed in mines, factories, laboratories, engineering firms, technology companies, and manufacturing plants instead of searching endlessly for opportunities.”
Describing the vision as realistic, she insisted that success would require deliberate policy reforms and coordinated investments.
“This vision is achievable.”
Call for Transparent Governance and Strategic Investment
Ezenwa identified transparency, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, environmental sustainability and community participation as essential pillars for unlocking Nigeria’s mineral economy.
“To make it a reality, Nigeria needs transparent governance, investment in education and technical skills, value addition, reliable infrastructure, environmental protection, and policies that encourage responsible investment while ensuring communities benefit from resource development.”
She further advocated sustained national conversations on constitutional and institutional reforms to improve accountability and strengthen governance in the management of natural resources.
“As a nation, we should also continue conversations about constitutional and institutional reforms that strengthen accountability, improve resource management, and promote inclusive development.”
A National Responsibility
Ezenwa emphasised that responsibility for transforming Nigeria’s resource wealth extends beyond government, calling on legislators, governors, traditional institutions, investors, civil society and citizens to work together toward a shared national objective.
“This is a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, Governors, Ministers, traditional institutions, investors, civil society, and every patriotic Nigerian to work together to unlock the full potential of our nation’s natural wealth.”
She maintained that industrialisation through local mineral processing would strengthen Nigeria’s economy and reduce dependence on raw material exports.
“Let us move beyond exporting raw materials and build industries that create lasting prosperity.”
She also urged leaders to ensure that the nation’s abundant resources translate into measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“Let us ensure that the blessings beneath our soil become blessings felt in every home.”
Concluding her open letter, Ezenwa said Nigeria’s future would ultimately depend on prudent leadership and responsible management of its natural wealth.
“The future of Nigeria depends not only on what lies beneath our land, but on the wisdom, integrity, and determination with which we manage it.”
She ended with a prayer for the country, saying:
“May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The appeal comes amid renewed national efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, accelerate solid minerals development, deepen local manufacturing and position the country to benefit from growing global demand for critical minerals that underpin the clean energy and digital technology revolutions.
