Nigeria sets ambitious target for mining sector growth

Nigeria expects its mining sector to grow to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) within the next five years from just 0.3% currently as the government seeks to diversify the economy away from oil, the minister for mines and steel development said on Wednesday. Nigeria has been trying to boost the sector as part of efforts to diversify its economy. Gold, lead, zinc, limestone and coal are among seven strategic minerals Nigeria has identified for investment.