Mineral Wealth Abounds, Poor Governance Failing Nigeria – Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya VC UNN

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has warned that Nigeria’s push to expand mining could lead to environmental damage, social conflict, and economic losses if not supported by strong regulation and effective governance.

Speaking at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team in Abuja, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya said Nigeria’s mining sector has huge potential for economic growth and industrial development but remains hindered by weak enforcement of existing laws.

According to him, Nigeria possesses more than 44 commercially viable solid minerals, yet the sector contributes only about three percent to the nation’s GDP. He noted that mining can create jobs, provide raw materials for industries, and reduce dependence on oil, especially as global demand rises for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and manganese.

Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, however, warned that poorly managed mining activities continue to cause land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, biodiversity loss, and the abandonment of mining sites. He added that toxic substances from mining often threaten the health and livelihoods of host communities.

He also highlighted recurring conflicts linked to mining, including disputes over land ownership, resource control, compensation, illegal mining, and insecurity. According to him, environmental damage, weak corporate responsibility, and exclusion of host communities often fuel tensions.

Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya stressed that although Nigeria has several laws and institutions regulating mining, enforcement remains weak due to inadequate funding, overlapping responsibilities, and limited capacity.

To improve the sector, he called for stronger regulation, increased funding for oversight agencies, transparent mineral licensing, formalisation of artisanal mining, and greater community participation in decision-making. He also advocated specialised environmental courts and stronger protections for vulnerable groups.

Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya said universities have a key role to play through research, innovation, and capacity building to support sustainable mining and environmental protection.

He concluded that economic growth cannot be sustained without environmental justice, social inclusion, and respect for the rule of law, urging Nigeria to adopt a mining model that benefits communities while protecting the environment.