Enhancing Educational Opportunities for Nigerian Mining Professionals in Western Australia
In a recent development, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals in Nigeria, Mr. Dele Alake, has successfully facilitated a groundbreaking deal that will enable Nigerian experts in the solid minerals sector to pursue further studies and training in Western Australia. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for professionals in Nigeria to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the mining industry.
During a courtesy visit to Perth, Australia, Mr. Dele Alake expressed his gratitude for the progress made by Australia in mineral development during his meeting with the Honourable Bill Johnston, Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Energy, Corrective Services and Industrial Relations of the Western Australian government. He also acknowledged Australia’s wealth of knowledge and expertise in the modern mining industry, advocating for the benefits of Nigerians receiving training, participating in study trips, and engaging in exchanges with mineral professionals in Australia.
The Minister of Solid Minerals emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment in the solid minerals sector, outlining significant investments in data collection on minerals and their deposits, the establishment of a solid minerals corporation, and the formation of joint venture agreements with multinational mining companies to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness.
Furthermore, Alake highlighted Nigeria’s abundant deposits of precious minerals, including lithium, gold, coal, lead, zinc, baryte, and iron ore. He proposed a programme that would enable Nigerian mining professionals to gain knowledge of modern mining technology and practices in Western Australia with the support of the government.
In response to the proposal, Honourable Bill Johnston expressed his appreciation for the courtesy visit and highlighted its significance in fostering cordial relations between the two nations. He welcomed the proposal and assured Alake that the Western Australian government would support the transfer of knowledge and skills to Nigerian mining professionals. Furthermore, he pledged to sponsor mining experts to visit Nigeria and share their expertise, expressing readiness to mobilise both the public and private sectors to support the initiative, as numerous companies are keen to explore opportunities for developing Africa’s mining sector.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying Alake included Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Ambassador Anderson Madubike; Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Mercy Clement; an investment banker from ANZ Bank, Mr. Martins Imonitie; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Special Adviser to the Minister, Honourable Kehinde Bamigbetan; Director of the Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Nkom Obadiah, and Technical Assistant to the Minister, Mrs. Chinemerem Nwaka.
The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for Nigerian mining professionals and fostering strong relations between Nigeria and Western Australia in the mining sector. As the collaboration progresses, it is poised to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and further strengthen the partnership between the two nations.
