The President of the Nigerian Society of Economic Geologists (NSEG), Dr. Abdulrasaq Garba, says that Nigeria’s ambition should extend beyond exporting unprocessed minerals.
Speaking at the society’s 5th Annual International Conference and Exhibition, themed ‘Unlocking the Earth’s Mineral Potential; Innovation and Discovery for Future Resources’, Garba said that for economic prosperity, Nigeria should work towards developing the technical capacity, infrastructure, skills workforce and industrial partnerships required to retain greater value within the Nigerian economy.
Garba explained that the event was aimed at confronting the challenges, opportunities, future and diversification of the nation’s economy, while strengthening the industrial base and establishing itself as a significant participant in the global minerals economy.
Garba noted that economic geologists occupy a critical position in the mineral development value chain, adding that they provide the scientific foundation required for valuable mineral projects through structural controls, geochemistry, geophysics, and ore-forming mechanisms.
He president highlighted key achievements of the society over the years, including the inauguration of the Ibadan and Abuja zonal chapters in order to bring the society’s professional activities closer to members across the country.
He disclosed that the first volume of the ‘bulletin of economic geology’, has been completed and would soon be available online as part of efforts to boost intellectual capacity development.
Garba acknowledged the collaborations with the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) and other bodies that have contributed in organising the 10th Short Course on African Metallogeny of the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA) in Ibadan.
According to him, Nigeria must avoid an approach driven by market excitement, calling for transparent, environmentally responsible pathways for mineral production and value addition.
He appreciated donors, supporters, partners, sponsors, individuals and benefactors for their continued contribution to the growth of the professional community.
GIK/APA