The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has reaffirmed the importance of reliable geological data and systematic mineral exploration in reducing investment risks and attracting capital to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The agency said economic geologists were critical to identifying commercially viable mineral deposits, improving resource evaluation and promoting environmentally responsible mining practices.
The Director-General of NGSA, Prof. Olusegun Omoniyi Ige, stated this in a goodwill message delivered by the Director of Economic Geology.
Mrs Adelugba Lucy Funmilayo at the 5th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of Economic Geologists (NSEG) in Kaduna.
Ige said the agency remained committed to generating and disseminating reliable geoscientific information to support evidence-based decision-making, responsible mineral development and the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, systematic geological mapping, mineral exploration, resource evaluation, geoscientific data acquisition and research are essential to unlocking the country’s mineral potential.
“As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification and greater value addition in the solid minerals sector, the contributions of economic geologists have become increasingly significant,” he said.
He added that their expertise was essential to identifying viable mineral deposits, reducing exploration risks, attracting investment and promoting sustainable mining practices.
The NGSA director-general noted that the NSEG conference provided an important platform for exchanging scientific knowledge, sharing professional experiences and exploring innovative approaches to mineral exploration, evaluation and development.
The conference, which held under the theme “Unlocking the Earth’s Mineral Potential: Innovation and Discovery for Future Resources,” also offered opportunities to strengthen collaboration among geoscientists, researchers, policymakers, industry operators and investors.
Ige commended the society for promoting scientific excellence, professional development and the advancement of economic geology in Nigeria.
He urged the NSEG to sustain its commitment to research, innovation and professional collaboration, particularly in developing young geoscientists to meet the future needs of the mining industry.
The agency also pledged to strengthen partnerships with the society and other stakeholders to promote the generation, management and application of geoscientific knowledge for national development.
Ige expressed confidence that the conference’s deliberations and recommendations would help address challenges and harness opportunities in Nigeria’s mineral sector.
He wished participants fruitful discussions, stronger professional partnerships and outcomes that would advance economic geology and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
