FG partners Finland on geological survey
The federal government has hailed the partnership between the Geological Survey of Finland and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), as strategic to the development of the Nigerian mining sector.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, disclosed this during a meeting with officials of the Geological Survey of Finland led by its International Operations Director, Mr. Philipp Schmidt-Thome, in Abuja on Monday.
The Finnish top geologists were in the country on a working relationship with their Nigerian counterpart, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, led by the Director General, Mr Alex Nwegbu.
Dr Fayemi, receiving the while Finnish geologists in his office said exploration remained the main focus of the ministry this year, adding that the team’s technical engagement with officials of the NGSA would help in actualising the task.
The minister said while Nigeria is a mineral rich nation with large green fields, the country is lagging behind other African mineral nations like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali and Cote d‘Ivoire in developing its mineral resources.
He said with the renewed impetus on developing the sector, the country is ready to collaborate with any country that has vast experience in solid mineral development.
Dr Fayemi stated that Nigeria has already developed a roadmap for the development of the sector, adding that geological prospectivity is number one on the roadmap.
He encouraged the team from Finland to have in-depth technical discussion with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to explore areas they could assist in geological survey.
The leader of the Finland delegation, Mr. Philipp SchmidtThome, indicated their interest in assisting Nigeria in the development of geological prospects.
He noted that their idea was not to copy what they have done in Finland and other countries and replicate in Nigeria but to work together with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to identify areas of need and help the country in the development of the industry as well as provide support in capacity building.