By Peter Adelowo
The Federal Government is calling for deeper collaboration with the private sector to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo stated this while declaring open the 4th International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Society Economic Geologists in Abuja.
Mr. Yabo who said partnership is key to driving growth and innovation in the mining industry reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalizing the solid minerals sector through reforms that will strengthen governance, improve security, and enhance revenue generation.
He explained that new technologies including satellite monitoring systems are being deployed to tackle illegal mining and promote sustainable practices across the country.
The Permanent Secretary also revealed that the ongoing restructuring of the ministry is helping to stabilize reforms and refocus efforts toward repositioning the sector for global competitiveness.
Mr. Yabo announced that the Federal Government is working on establishing a National Mining Corporation, to be known as the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that the new body will attract private investment and manage joint ventures in the industry.
He added that the National Assembly is already finalizing the legislative framework to back up the initiative.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of
the Nigerian Society of Economic Geology, NSEG, Professor Samuel Bamidele reaffirmed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.
Professor Bamidele emphasized the critical role of geoscientists in driving national transformation and sustainable development.
According to the NSEG President, the conference comes at a crucial time when the world—and Nigeria in particular—is pushing for sustainable development driven by technological innovation.
He noted that the country’s mineral wealth, if properly explored and developed, could significantly boost industrialization, create jobs, and strengthen economic diversification.
“As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the question we must ask ourselves is: how ready are we, as professionals and as a nation, to harness the vast mineral wealth beneath our feet?” the President stated.
Highlighting the society’s achievements over the past year, the President cited the successful establishment of the International Investment Platform for Mineral Resources, a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian and Korean governments aimed at increasing the value of Nigeria’s resource base.
He also announced the expansion of the society’s membership and the continuation of its professional development programs.
In a major milestone, the President unveiled the launch of the society’s new publication, the “Bulletin of Economic Geology,” a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research on mineral exploration, environmental geochemistry, and resource development.
“This journal will provide a platform for both established scholars and emerging researchers to share findings and contribute to the global body of geological knowledge from a distinct Nigerian and African perspective,” he said.
The conference underscored the society’s continued leadership in promoting scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration in Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, Professor Olusegun Ige appreciated the present administration for making solid minerals development a key instrument for economic diversification.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of fellowship awards to committed members of over two decade.
The themed for this year’s conference is “Emerging Technologies in Economic Geography,” which brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to explore new ways of advancing Nigeria’s mineral and metals sector.
