Nigeria’s Mining Minister Calls for Focus on Human Capital Development

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, highlighted the importance of developing skilled professionals to unlock the country’s mining potential. He spoke during the launch of a new training program in Abuja aimed at empowering young graduates in the mining field.

The program, organized by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) in partnership with the ministry, aims to provide practical skills to recent graduates. Alake, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, stated that Nigeria’s rich mineral resources, including gold and lithium, could greatly benefit the economy if the workforce is properly trained.

Alake urged the NGSA to enhance its training initiatives and collaborate with universities and private companies. He stressed that young professionals should gain hands-on experience in areas like geological mapping and mineral exploration. He encouraged them to think beyond traditional jobs and consider entrepreneurship in fields related to mining.

NGSA’s Director-General, Prof. Olusegun Ige, explained that the training program was created to address the lack of practical experience among geology graduates. He noted that nearly 500 applications were received, but only a select group was chosen due to limited resources.

Support for the initiative came from various stakeholders, including former NGSA Director-General Alex Ndubuisi, who called it a necessary step to improve education in the field. Representatives from academic institutions also expressed their support for ongoing collaboration with the NGSA.

Participants in the program, represented by Nana Yakubu, thanked the ministry and NGSA for the opportunity, promising to apply their training to enhance Nigeria’s mining industry.