Nigeria has not been the subject of widespread mineral exploration applying modern exploration techniques.

Currently, no major international exploration and mining groups are known to be active on the ground in Nigeria. There are a few active, local junior groups but these are not well funded. A small number of foreign junior groups are showing interest in the sector.

From historical records, almost no drilling or mining activity is known below a depth of 50m. Nigeria is extremely sparsely drill tested from a mineral exploration perspective.

Artisanal and historical gold/tin and base metal workings with little or no modern exploration are widespread.

Nigerian mineral endowment is potentially very high if the current view of an Archaean to Lower Proterozoic age for the basement terrain is substantiated. Comparisons with other West African shield areas, Australia, Canada, and South America can be drawn.

New airborne magnetic/radiometric and regional geochemical data over prospective terrain are to be made available by the Government to the exploration industry in late 2007. This is expected to spark international exploration interest in Nigeria..

Nigeria is entering a phase of major economic expansion with growing transparency in government dealings at all levels. The Government is enforcing countrywide measures to minimise corruption in the bureaucracy and to remove the unfavourable international reputation/perception of Nigeria.