As part of efforts to build the capacity of technical staff toward maximizing the realization of its mandate, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on Thursday, convened an interactive Technical Workshop under the theme, “Exploration In A Sustainable Way: Leave No One Behind.”
The workshop had as Resources Fellows, two highly regarded geologists, namely, the JORC-Certified Geologist/Competent Person, Dr. Warwick Crowe who is Consultant Principal Geologist at Titan Minerals; and the Award-Wining Nigerian Geologist, Theresa Oguntimehim, who won Year 2024 Australian Award for Short Course, “Mining Governance in Africa,” bestowed at the University of Queensland in November 2024. Oguntimehim is the Principal Geologist at the NGSA.
In his opening remarks, the Director–General, NGSA, Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige said Nigeria and Australia have robust bilateral relation in mining matters, adding that the training of some NGSA staff have been facilitated by Australian institutions as part of efforts to enhance professionalism and greater service delivery of the NGSA.
The Director-General, welcomed the delegation of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; the High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Mathew Mechan; Mr. Jon O. Callaghan, Founder, Montt Capital Investment Bank, and thanked the Resource Fellows for their invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the Agency and country’s mineral sector.
Prof. Ige described the workshop as an important gathering that focuses on exploration in a sustainable manner, stating that the carefully
selected resource persons will share knowledge and will leave no stone unturned in providing insight to issues. He therefore encouraged participants to get involved in the sessions of the workshop by asking questions and making contributions.
He noted that all over the world, nations and individuals are engaged in mining and exploration, and assured that the federal government of Nigeria is committed to addressing the challenges bedeviling the sector: “I am sure you have seen the commitment with which our honorable minister, Dr. Dele Alake is addressing the challenges of the sector, one of which is the establishment of a special task force – the Mine Marshals to combat illegal mining among other.”
Ige explained that the outcome of efforts made by government to address the challenges of the sector is encouraging, adding that the investment–friendly policy of the federal government has made the minerals sector attractive.
Responding to questions from the audience, the Director–General explained that the federal government now ensures that there is value-addition to minerals in Nigeria.
Ige, a professor of Geology and Mineral Sciences, commended the presentations of Dr. Crowe and Oguntimehim, and constituted a Committee to Review the Recommendations. He charged the committee to proffer methodology of implementation where necessary, as well as suggest possible sources of funding.
“This event marks another critical step toward harnessing Nigeria’s mineral resources. The NGSA under President Bola Tinubu will remain committed to promoting best practices in exploration and mining activities,” he stated.
He assured that “NGSA will not only carry out mineral exploration to uphold the mineral wealth of Nigeria, but will also ensure that it is done in a way that uplifts communities and contributes meaningfully to the cause of our dear country, Nigeria.”
“It is our duty to ensure that the benefit of the mineral wealth reaches every Nigerian without compromising the right of the future generation,” he said, adding that the Agency will continue to carry out exploration is a most responsible way.
“As geologists, we must be mindful of what happens to the earth now, and in the future.”
He thanked the Australian High Commission and the Australian Award Africa for facilitating the participation of some NGSA staff in a short course, ‘Mining Governance in Africa,” hosted by the University of Queensland, Australia, stating that the knowledge gained at the training is a catalyst for breaking of new frontiers in Nigeria’s commitment to mineral exploration. “We are grateful that Nigeria continues to benefit from such impactful international collaboration,” he added.
The Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria thanked the NGSA Director General for the warm reception, stating: “We are happy to see Oguntimehim sharing the knowledge gained from Australia.”
He said the longstanding relationship between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Australia in relation to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NGSA will be sustained and deepened.
“Australia hopes Nigeria attains its goal in the mining and extractive sector.”
“We want the deep level of cooperation.”
“Although one person has gone to Australia, we are happy that the knowledge will be disseminated, and we look forward to advancing our relationship with Nigeria on mining matters,” the Deputy High Commissioner added.
In her presentation, Theresa Oguntimehim who described mineral exploration as the process by which we search for evidence of mineralization, commended the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency for its rich Geodata Centre.
She stressed the importance of sustainable exploration, stating that it is necessary to protect the environment. “All over the world, mining and exploration must be done in a sustainable manner such that we will reap rewards such as safeguarded environment, good health and safety.
Moroccan Mining Engineer who participated in the meeting online, Maryam Masil, commended Nigeria for the effort to strengthen professionalism of its technical workforce in exploration matters, stating that Nigerian geologists are “dynamic” and “committed to professionalism.”
In the same way, Tunji Rahaman of the University of Ilorin, who also participated virtually, encouraged the management of the NGSA to sustain its commitment to acquisition and dissemination of expertise in mineral exploration. He described the policy efforts of
the NGSA to strengthen professionalizing as one that will position the Agency among exploration institutions with cutting edge professional practices, adding that it is a milestone for Nigeria
Director, Department of Regional Geology, NGSA, Mr. Umar Bature assured staff that the Agency will continue to develop the capacity of staff.
He assured that Management will continue to prioritize safety and welfare of staff, saying: “NGSA is conscious of its staff safety and welfare. We inform state governments and relevant security organizations of our exploration activities, and we comply with security advice.”
