Nigeria has several states where diamond deposits have been reported or identified, though diamond mining is not

Nigeria has several states where diamond deposits have been reported or identified, though diamond mining is not a major industrial activity compared to countries like Botswana or South Africa. Nigeria’s solid minerals sector focuses more on tin, gold, limestone, and gemstones like sapphire, tourmaline, and emerald, with diamonds occurring in smaller or artisanal scales.
The states most commonly associated with diamond deposits or occurrences include:
Katsina State: Frequently cited as having significant diamond deposits. Surveys and reports (including from around 2010 and later claims) have indicated large quantities in several local government areas, though some claims have been exaggerated or unverified in media.
Sokoto State: Mentioned alongside Katsina as holding valuable diamond deposits in gemstone guides.
Taraba State: Known for diamond fields, particularly in areas like Mayo-Sina on the Mambilla Plateau (Nguroje, Sardauna LGA), with reports of artisanal mining activity dating back to at least 2014.
Other states like Kaduna, Plateau, or others occasionally appear in gemstone contexts, but primarily for different minerals (e.g., zircon, topaz, or emerald in Kaduna/Plateau), not diamonds as a primary resource.
No single state dominates as Nigeria’s “major” diamond producer on a commercial scale, as the country does not rank among major global diamond producers. Much of the activity is artisanal or exploratory. Official government sources (e.g., Ministry of Solid Minerals Development or Mining Cadastre Office) list various mining titles, but diamonds appear limited or grouped with other minerals.