Nigeria's Solid Mineral Exports Surge to N249.7 Billion

In the first half of 2026, Nigeria's solid mineral exports rose by N113.53 billion year-on-year, totaling N249.70 billion. An analysis of the Q1 and Q2 2026 Foreign Trade Statistics by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that exports increased from N58.87 billion in Q1 2025 to N102.80 billion in Q1 2026, and further to N146.91 billion in Q2 2026 from N77.31 billion in Q2 2025.

This growth represents an overall increase of approximately 83.4% from N136.17 billion in H1 2025. The second quarter accounted for about 59% of the total exports.

The rise in exports indicates heightened activity in Nigeria's mineral export trade, although solid minerals still represent a small fraction of total exports. The Federal Government is implementing reforms to formalize mining operations and enhance revenue collection.

In May 2025, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani announced discussions with Atlantic Mining Techniques Limited regarding a proposed $300 million investment in the state's solid minerals industry. In Q1 2025, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reported N6.96 billion collected in mining fees.