Exploration geophysicists have warned that Nigeria could eventually be forced to import minerals it currently produces and exports if the country fails to deliberately conserve some of its strategic mineral deposits.
The warning was issued as the Federal Government steps up efforts to attract investment into the mining sector, improve geological data and encourage local processing instead of the export of raw minerals.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the government was strengthening geoscientific information, mineral exploration and professional expertise to make mining a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
However, the Nigerian Association of Exploration Geophysicists (NAEG) said increased mining and local value addition should be accompanied by a national conservation policy.
The association argued that selected high-grade and strategically important mineral deposits should be preserved for future generations and for Nigeria’s long-term industrial needs.
The positions were presented at the 4th Annual International Conference and Training Workshop of NAEG in Abuja, themed “Geophysics: A Critical Driver in Resource Exploration, Environmental Management and Infrastructural Development.”
The conference focused on resource exploration, environmental management and infrastructure, with discussions also covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, groundwater assessment, geotechnical engineering, investment, policy and professional capacity development.
FG highlights mineral exploration efforts
Alake, represented by Nigerian Geological Survey Agency Director Hadiza Godi, described geophysics as an essential tool for identifying Nigeria’s underground resources and supporting sustainable development.
He said reliable geological and geophysical information was central to the government’s mining reforms because investors needed accurate data to assess risks before committing capital.
According to the minister, the NGSA has expanded geological mapping and carried out targeted high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys to improve understanding of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He said the exercises had helped identify deposits of minerals considered important to the global energy transition, including lithium, graphite, copper, manganese and rare earth elements, as well as iron, lead, zinc and aluminium.
Geophysicists call for conservation policy
NAEG President, Akin George, acknowledged the government’s policy requiring investors to add value to minerals before export, describing it as a shift away from Nigeria’s traditional practice of shipping out raw ores.
He said mineral processing plants were already being established in several parts of the country and could create significant employment opportunities.
However, George warned that processing minerals locally should not be the only measure of success for Nigeria’s mining strategy.
He stressed that mineral resources are finite and cannot be replenished once extracted.
According to him, Nigeria has more than 34 different solid mineral resources located across about 450 sites in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
George therefore called for a national policy to identify deposits that should be mined immediately, those that should be reserved for domestic industrial development and others that should be preserved as strategic resources.
He specifically advocated the conservation of selected high-grade lithium and chromite deposits, alongside strategic minerals such as uranium, platinum and bauxite, where commercially viable deposits exist.
Calls for stronger industry collaboration
The Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Prof Shehu Ahmed, represented by PTDF manager Wasiru Ahmed, said the fund would continue supporting indigenous expertise through training, research, knowledge transfer and mentorship.
Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prof Musa Sada, commended NAEG for promoting professional cooperation and urged practitioners to continue upgrading their skills as technology transforms the sector.
Representatives of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, Miners Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Geological Survey Agency also called for closer collaboration among industry stakeholders.
They advocated better preservation and archiving of exploration information, including samples, drill logs and technical reports, to improve future exploration and investment decisions.
The conference also honoured Prof Deborah Ajakaiye, Chairman of the NAEG Board of Trustees, for her pioneering contributions to geophysics and her role in training generations of Nigerian geoscientists.
