Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has called for a strategic partnership between the Ministry’s agencies and the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) to drive economic diversification and industrialisation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NMGS President Prof. Akinade Olatunji in Abuja, the Minister emphasised the need to integrate advanced technology into mining and geosciences to enhance efficiency, security, and sustainability.
“We are committed to tackling industrial challenges, promoting local value addition, and reducing raw material exports. Our focus is on capacity building to drive homegrown solutions while strengthening regulations for responsible mining practices,” Nnaji stated.
The Minister underscored the importance of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimise resource management.
“We must utilise renewable energy to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, as well as conduct advanced geological surveys for improved resource estimation,” he noted.
NMGS President Prof. Olatunji reaffirmed the society’s dedication to fostering innovation and contributing to national wealth through agriculture, oil and gas, and solid mineral extraction.
“As professional geoscientists and mining engineers, we play a crucial role in identifying minerals essential for technological advancements. We are key to locating oil deposits and assisting engineers in their efficient extraction,” he said.
The collaboration between the Ministry and NMGS is expected to drive sustainable industrial growth, positioning Nigeria for economic transformation.
