The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says as the mining sector grew by 17.95 per cent in 2020, Kogi, Ogun, and Cross River topped the production chart.

The Mineral Production Statistics for 2019 and 2020, obtained from the NBS website on Monday in Abuja, said aggregate production was 64.28 million tons in 2020 compared to 54.50 million tons in 2019.

It added that Kogi accounted for 12.50 million tons, Ogun 12.11 million tons, and Cross River 8.90 million tons. It, however, said Borno recorded the least production in 2020 with 5,060 tons.

“Similarly, Ogun, FCT, and Kogi states were the top three states with the largest share of production in 2019. This report shows that Ogun produced 12.55 million tons, FCT produced 10.82 million tons, while Kogi recorded 10.11 million tons over the same period.”

The report said that limestone, sand, and granite were the three most mined minerals in 2020, while limestone, granite, and laterite were the top biggest minerals in 2019.

The mining and quarrying sector is crucial to growth in Nigeria, considering the potential to export mineral resources to the rest of the world and the drive for diversification.

(NAN)