Prior to the emergence of the petroleum industry in the 1970s, solid minerals
constituted a key sector of the economy, averaging 12% of the nation’s GDP between
1965 and 1975. However, unfavorable government policies, lack of understanding of the
cross-cutting issues and the poor management of state-owned enterprises have led to a
precipitous decline in the sector.
For instance, the sector’s contribution to GDP fell to 5.62% in 1980, to 0.36% in 2011 and
to 0.04% in 2016. Presently, very little progress has been achieved in the sector in spite
of the new legal and regulatory frameworks that have been deployed with the assistance
of the World Bank.
In view of its importance to social inclusion and job creation, the SDP Government shall
develop this sector into a substantive and critical component of its economic
diversification policy.
The vision of an SDP Gorvernment on the Sector
A strong and vibrant mining sector that makes Nigeria a major player in the international mining arena with the capacity for the provision of revenue, jobs, infrastructural development and social cohesion.
Over the years, it has remained a dependable political platform. It is the only political party that has won a national election that cut across ethnic, religious, cultural and other divides