importance of minerals to the Nigerian economy. The presence of minerals in any country does help to promote economic development of that country. In Nigeria, the
importance of minerals includes:
- Employment: the mining of these minerals provides jobs for many people
- Revenue generation: Taxes paid by mining companies including export and import duties on minerals are sources of revenue to the government
- Foreign exchange earning: The export of minerals like petroleum. Coal and tin, provides foreign exchange for the country
- Provision of essential goods: Essential goods or products are derived from minerals, e.g. petroleum provides kerosene, petrol, grease, engine oil and aviation fuel
- Raw materials for industries: Raw materials like limestone are used by cement industries; iron ore is used by iron and steel industry
- Improvement of standard of living: money earned from minerals is used to provide social and basic amenities which improves the standard of living of the people
- Acquisition of skills: The presence and extraction of these minerals enable people to acquire different skills
- Infrastructural development: The presence of minerals in an area leads to the development of infrastructures like roads, electricity, telephone and pipe borne water in these areas
- Growth of cities: Cities like Enugu, Jos and Warri have grown due to the presence of coal, tin and petroleum respectively
- Production of geological maps: The exploration of minerals in the country has led to the production of certain geological maps
- Transfer of technology: The presence or mining of minerals in the country normally leads to the transfer of technology from industrialized nations
- Training and retraining of personnel: Mining activities in Nigeria have led to the training and retraining of personnel in order to be efficient in mining operations
- Growth of ancillary industries: The presence of minerals or mining activities generally lead to the establishment of ancillary industries that can promote mining activities in the country
- Income to miners: People who are miners have used the medium to generate income for themselves
- Provision of essential goods: Essential goods such as cement, gold, plastic, rubber and tyres are normally produced through mining activities
- Improvement of balance of payment: the exportation of minerals to foreign countries has helped to improve the balance of payments between the two countries involved in international trade
- 161. LIVER FLUKE
162. ECTO PARASITES
163. TICK
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