In Nigeria, miners have raised concerns about the country’s reliance on imported Barite.
Despite having vast deposits of this crucial mineral, Nigeria imports a staggering 95 percent of the Barite used in its oil and gas sector.
This reliance on imports continues even with the 2010 Local Content Act intended to boost local production.
The situation has sparked frustration among miners who see it as a missed opportunity for local industry growth.
At a recent press conference in Abuja, Patrick Odiegwu, the Secretary General of the Association of Miners and Processors, made a startling announcement.
He addressed a room full of journalists.
His tone was one of deep concern as he revealed a troubling fact.
Despite Nigeria’s extensive history in crude oil production, which stretches over five decades, the country remains heavily dependent on imported Barite.
Odiegwu pointed out a stark irony: “Nigeria, a nation with significant Barite deposits.
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The country imports 95 percent of the Barite used in its oil and gas sector.
The 2010 Local Content Act, introduced to encourage local sourcing, mandates that companies obtain at least 60 percent of materials like Barite domestically.
However, the situation persists.
The continued reliance on imports highlights a failure to fully utilize the country’s own resources.
During his address, Odiegwu urged state and local governments to take decisive action to harness Nigeria’s mining potential.
“The regions blessed with these valuable minerals must rise to the occasion,” he said emphatically.
“It is unacceptable that Barite miners continue to face poverty while our abundant resources remain underutilized.”
This revelation comes at a time when the Nigerian government has announced new fees and rate hikes.
These measures are intended to tap into the country’s estimated $750 billion mining sector potential.
However, mining operators have resisted these increases and recently called on the federal government to delay the hikes.
They argue that the sector needs a more supportive and stable environment. This change is necessary to fully develop the sector and address the challenges local miners face.
