Boosting Investments in Solid Minerals: Engaging Geoscientists for Economic Diversification
By Martha Agas
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, delivered a speech to geoscientists, emphasizing their vital role in the growth and development of the solid minerals sector. The minister urged them to lend their support to the proposed ventures of investors that Nigeria is attracting to the sector. These remarks were made during the 13th induction ceremony of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) in Abuja.
In order to attract investors to the solid minerals sector, the government has been actively engaging with stakeholders both domestically and internationally, and the input of geoscientists is indispensable. Geoscientists play a crucial role in Nigeria’s exploration, extraction, and processing of solid minerals, with the aim of diversifying the country’s economy and bolstering its revenue profile.
The minister underscored the importance of geoscientists in conducting feasibility studies, development, exploration activities, and extraction for potential investors. He also emphasized the need for geoscientists to continually update their knowledge and skills, given the technical nature of their work and the continuous evolution of new technology.
Dr Alake emphasized the significance of certification from COMEG for geoscientists working in the sector. This initiative is part of the ministry’s efforts to ensure the professionalism and credibility of geoscientists in the sector.
The minister also highlighted the global shift towards energy transition, which requires a move from traditional fossil fuels to green energy. This shift necessitates mineral deposits to sustain the transition, which Nigeria possesses in abundance. President Bola Tinubu is committed to exploring these minerals and repositioning the sector to reduce overdependence on the oil industry, in turn contributing to Nigeria’s GDP and infrastructure development.
On the regulatory side, the Registrar of COMEG, Prof. Zacheus Opafunso, emphasized the importance of professional ethics and good behaviour among geoscientists. COMEG has also been working to ensure that tertiary institutions running programmes related to the extraction industry comply with standards and produce qualified graduates. Prof. Akinade Olatunji, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), stressed the need for accreditation of educational programmes to prevent quackery among practitioners.
The induction ceremony admitted 28 individuals and companies as members of COMEG, demonstrating the continued growth and relevance of the sector. The government’s engagement with geoscientists and the emphasis on their role in attracting investments to the solid minerals sector reflects a concerted effort to drive economic diversification and sustainability.
This move is a significant step towards capitalizing on Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources and reducing dependency on oil, ultimately positioning the country for long-term economic growth and development.
