Nigeria has always been known for its crude oil. But there is a vast wealth sitting right under the soil. Nigeria as a country is blessed with over 40 commercially viable minerals spread across all 36 states.
And the sector is booming right now. The mining sector saw a 4.61 percent growth in the second quarter of 2025. Revenue has jumped from 16 billion naira in 2023 to over 70 billion naira in 2025.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, says the sector's GDP contribution has climbed from under 0.5 percent to 1.8 percent.
Let us count down the top ten states with the highest mineral deposits, starting from number ten.
10. Ogun State:
We start with Ogun State. This is the industrial minerals hub of the South-West. Ogun is the critical raw material supplier for the manufacturing corridor. Its massive limestone deposits feed major cement plants. Being right next to Lagos gives it a huge supply chain advantage. The state also holds bitumen, clay, kaolin, granite, and marble.
9. Niger State
Next is Niger State. It is the largest state by land area in Nigeria. It is a heartland for gold, talc, and granite. The gold deposits here place it firmly in Nigeria's production network. Its talc deposits are vital for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Because the state is so vast, much of its mineral wealth remains under-surveyed. There is a lot more waiting to be discovered.
8. Enugu State
Enugu is famously known as the Coal City. It holds huge historical and symbolic importance in Nigerian mining. The coal here once powered the railways and early industries. Nigerian coal is low in sulphur and ash, making it more environmentally friendly than many global alternatives. Enugu also has iron ore, limestone, and clay.
7. Osun State
Osun State has become a leading gold producer. This is remarkable because it sits in the South-West, far from the traditional North-West gold belt. It hosts the Segilola Gold Mine, operated by Thor Exploration. This is Nigeria's first large-scale modern gold mine. It produced over 85,000 ounces in 2024 and is aiming for 95,000 in 2025. Osun also has kaolin, talc, and feldspar.
6. Ondo State
Ondo State sits on a massive treasure. It holds the country's largest concentration of bitumen, also known as tar sand. KPMG says Nigeria has about 42.47 billion tonnes of probable bitumen reserves, the sixth largest in the world. Ondo owns the biggest chunk of this. Beyond bitumen, the state has limestone, glass sand, gypsum, and even crude oil.
5. Zamfara State
Zamfara State is Nigeria's premier gold belt. While it may have fewer mineral types than others, the sheer volume of its gold is unmatched. It sits right in the heart of the North-West Gold Belt. This has drawn intense artisanal and commercial mining. The government is now focusing on formalizing miners here and stopping illegal operations. Zamfara also has coal and barite.
4. Kogi State
Kogi State is the confluence of industrial minerals. It is home to the Itakpe Iron Ore deposit, one of the largest in the country. This feeds the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Africa's largest steel plant. Kogi also has huge limestone deposits that support cement production. You will also find coal, marble, kaolin, and talc here.
3. Nasarawa State
Nasarawa is officially branded the Home of Solid Minerals. It is arguably the most strategically important state for Nigeria's economic future. Why? Lithium. The global demand for electric vehicle batteries has put Nasarawa on the world stage. It also has barytes, which are crucial for oil and gas drilling. The state is rich in gold, marble, and various gemstones.
2. Kaduna State
Kaduna State is Nigeria's gemstone and gold capital. It shares the second spot with around 20 recorded minerals. The state boasts an incredible gemstone belt. Think sapphires, rubies, and aquamarine. This makes it a prime target for luxury exports and foreign investment. Gold mining is also heavy here, alongside industrial minerals like kaolin and clay.
1. Plateau State
At the very top is Plateau State. It stands alone as the most mineral-diverse state in the federation. Plateau has a staggering 22 officially recorded mineral resources. The Jos Plateau has been mined for over a century. Its tin and columbite deposits powered Nigeria's early industrial economy. Today, its extraordinary gemstones like emeralds and rubies continue to attract miners. It truly is the nation's geological crown jewel.
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