Solid Minerals: FG Calls for Stronger Private Sector Partnership to Drive Growth

By our Correspondent

The Federal Government has called 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, made the call while declaring open the 4th International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Society of Economic Geologists (NSEG) in Abuja.

Mr. Yabo emphasized that partnership is essential for driving growth and innovation in the mining industry, reaffirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing the solid minerals sector through reforms that strengthen governance, enhance security, and boost revenue generation.

He disclosed that new technologies, including satellite monitoring systems, are being deployed to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable practices across the country.

According to him, the ongoing restructuring of the ministry is stabilizing reforms and redirecting efforts toward repositioning the sector for global competitiveness.

The Permanent Secretary further announced plans by the Federal Government to establish a National Mining Corporation, to be known as the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, which will attract private investment and manage joint ventures in the industry. He added that the National Assembly is finalizing the legislative framework to support the initiative.

In his welcome address, the President of the NSEG, Professor Samuel Bamidele, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.

Professor Bamidele highlighted the vital role of geoscientists in driving national transformation and sustainable development, noting that the conference comes at a critical time when the world—and Nigeria in particular—is pursuing sustainable growth driven by technology.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, if properly harnessed, could accelerate 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?” he asked.

The NSEG President also highlighted key achievements of the society, including the successful establishment of the International Investment Platform for Mineral Resources—a collaboration between the Nigerian and Korean governments aimed at enhancing the value of Nigeria’s mineral base.

He further announced the society’s membership expansion and the continuation of professional development programs.

In a significant milestone, Professor Bamidele unveiled the society’s new peer-reviewed publication, the “Bulletin of Economic Geology,” dedicated to high-quality research on mineral exploration, environmental geochemistry, and resource development.

“This journal will serve as a platform for both established and emerging researchers to share findings and contribute to global geological knowledge from a distinct Nigerian and African perspective,” he stated.

The conference reaffirmed the society’s 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, commended the present administration for prioritizing solid minerals development as a key driver of economic diversification.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of fellowship awards to members with over two decades of dedicated service.

This year’s conference, themed “Emerging Technologies in Economic Geology,” brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to explore new strategies for advancing Nigeria’s minerals and metals sector.