EBONYI: A LAND OF MANY MINERALS, STILL NO DEVELOPMENT – THE WAY FORWARD

By Grassrootsmirro 

June 26, 2025

Ebonyi State, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, is richly blessed with vast deposits of solid minerals, yet it remains one of the most underdeveloped states in the country. From lead, zinc, limestone, marble, gypsum, granite, lignite, coal, salt, copper, kaolin, to phosphates—Ebonyi stands as a geological treasure trove. However, the presence of these valuable resources has not translated into economic prosperity, infrastructural development, industrialization, or improved quality of life for its people. This paradox has stirred deep concern among indigenes, observers, and development experts.

This essay explores the root causes of the underdevelopment in Ebonyi State despite its mineral wealth and offers a comprehensive and strategic way forward.

EBONYI’S MINERAL RICHES: A GLIMPSE INTO UNTAPPED WEALTH

1. Lead and Zinc: Found in significant quantities in areas such as Abakaliki and Ishiagu, these are key industrial minerals used in batteries, galvanized steel, and alloys.
2. Limestone and Marble: Available in Afikpo North and other localities, these minerals are essential for cement and construction industries.
3. Gypsum and Granite: Gypsum supports cement production and agriculture, while granite is vital for construction.
4. Lignite and Coal: Found around Ezza and Onicha, these are potential energy sources for power generation and industrial heating.
5. Salt: The Uburu and Okposi salt lakes are among the oldest known salt production sites in Nigeria, yet they are still mined using primitive methods.
6. Copper, Kaolin, and Phosphates: These have a wide range of industrial and agricultural uses, but remain largely unexploited.

Despite this mineral endowment, Ebonyi continues to face deep-seated issues: poverty, youth unemployment, poor healthcare, lack of modern educational infrastructure, bad roads, and minimal industrial activity.

ROOT CAUSES OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT

1. Lack of Visionary Leadership

Leadership is the foundation of transformation in any society. Unfortunately, Ebonyi has, over the decades, suffered from the reign of leaders who lacked the long-term vision to turn mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth.

• Most leaders have focused on cosmetic or politically motivated projects.
• Absence of a long-term strategic development plan centered on mineral development.
• Inconsistent policies that do not outlive individual administrations.
• Little or no effort in fostering public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive industrialization.

2. Absence of Business-Minded Governance

Modern governance requires leaders who think like entrepreneurs: focused on value creation, revenue generation, scalability, and sustainability.

• The minerals in Ebonyi have not been transformed into value-added products. For example, no functional cement factory exists despite the abundance of limestone.
• Salt mining remains largely manual with no salt refinery or packaging industry.
• Lack of industrial clusters, export processing zones, or mineral testing and certification laboratories.
• No engagement with local and international investors due to poor ease-of-doing-business rankings.

3. Neglect of Local Empowerment and Human Capital

Development is not just about resources; it is also about people. The youth of Ebonyi, though talented, have been neglected.

• Absence of mining training centers, technical schools, or engineering institutes.
• No initiatives to empower locals to own small-scale mining enterprises.
• Youth unemployment fuels migration, crime, and economic stagnation.

4. Environmental Degradation and Lack of Regulation

Irregular, illegal, and unregulated mining in places like Ishiagu has caused severe environmental damage.

• Farmlands destroyed.
• Water sources polluted.
• Health problems on the rise due to exposure to heavy metals.
• Lack of environmental compensation and community development agreements with mining operators.

THE WAY FORWARD: A STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT FOR REVIVAL

1. Visionary and Entrepreneurial Leadership

Ebonyi needs a new breed of leaders—technocrats, entrepreneurs, and professionals—who understand that minerals are not wealth unless refined and utilized.

• Leaders must formulate a 25-year Ebonyi Mineral Master Plan, detailing mineral mapping, infrastructure needs, value chain opportunities, and export goals.
• Establish a Ministry of Solid Minerals and Industrialization focused solely on turning natural wealth into industrial growth.
• Engage diaspora Ebonyians and development partners to co-create sustainable mineral-based development.

2. Establishment of Mineral-Based Industrial Clusters

Each mineral should have an associated value-chain zone:

• Cement & Construction Hub (Afikpo, Ezza): Build cement factories and brick industries using limestone, marble, and gypsum.
• Battery & Paint Industry Zone (Abakaliki, Ivo): Utilize lead, zinc, and kaolin for manufacturing.
• Salt Refinery (Uburu, Okposi): Industrialize salt production for export.
• Coal & Power Plant (Onicha): Create a clean coal plant for rural electrification and small industries.

These clusters will provide direct employment, foster local SMEs, and attract private investment.

3. Educational and Technical Empowerment

No region can develop without a skilled and empowered workforce.

• Establish the Ebonyi Mining and Metallurgy Institute (EMMI) to train youth in mining safety, refining technologies, and geology.
• Create scholarships and innovation challenges in mineral research and development.
• Partner with institutions like the African Development Bank and TETFUND for funding technical infrastructure.

4. Investor-Friendly Policies

To attract investors, Ebonyi must overhaul its regulatory environment:

• Create a One-Stop Investment Center (OSIC) for all business approvals.
• Offer tax holidays, land grants, and operational licenses for genuine investors.
• Enforce environmental laws and ensure all mining agreements include community development plans.

5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Diaspora Investment

Government alone cannot develop the state.

• Engage private companies in joint ventures, offering equity in exchange for investment in processing plants.
• Launch an Ebonyi Diaspora Investment Fund focused on mining and industrialization.
• Partner with development banks and organizations for grants and concessional loans.

6. Marketing Ebonyi as a Mining Destination

• Host Ebonyi Mineral Investment Summits to draw local and international attention.
• Develop a state geological database and mineral samples showroom for investors.
• Use digital platforms to showcase mineral opportunities and success stories.

Know this;

Ebonyi is not poor. It is richly blessed with minerals that, if harnessed, could rival the economic outputs of states like Ogun or Kogi. What Ebonyi lacks is not resources, but visionary, business-minded leadership and strategic action. The mineral wealth of Ebonyi is not a curse, but a dormant blessing waiting for bold, intelligent, and intentional people to unlock it.

The way forward is clear:

• Inspire bold leadership.
• Build industrial zones.
• Empower the youth.
• Attract investors.
• Think long-term.

Ebonyi can become a regional economic hub, not just a supplier of raw minerals but a leader in processed mineral exports, innovation, and wealth creation. The time to act is now.