By Faridat Salifu
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for a strategic shift in Nigeria’s economic focus from oil to non-oil sectors.
During the sixth Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and the 74th posthumous birthday event on Saturday, Gov. Abiodun emphasized the importance of exploring areas such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and technology for long-term sustainability.
Governor Abiodun highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential, with over 40 commercially viable mineral and natural resources, many of which remain largely untapped. The estimated value of the country’s solid mineral deposits, reported to be as high as $5tn by industry experts, was underscored. Abiodun particularly emphasized Ogun State’s significant potential in natural mineral resources, citing active mining of limestone, granite, and laterite, with over 15 similar resources in commercial quantities across all local governments.
During the event, the Governor stressed the need for Nigeria to explore untapped solid minerals like gold, lithium, tantalite, and tin, emphasizing the immense economic possibilities through value-chain addition. These sentiments were echoed by the Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who highlighted the importance of focusing on education, youth development, and technical training for national development and addressing business environment challenges.
The event provided a platform for insightful discussions on the potential for economic diversification and the necessary reforms to attract and retain investment in Nigeria. Governor Abiodun’s call aligns with the ongoing discourse surrounding Nigeria’s economic transformation, signaling a push towards a more diversified and sustainable economic future.
