By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen technical expertise in the solid minerals sector with the induction of graduates into the maiden Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Post-NYSC Graduate Skill Capacity-Building Programme.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said the initiative would equip young Nigerians with practical skills and professional experience needed to support the development of the country's mining industry.
Alake stated this on Monday during the induction ceremony held at the NGSA, according to a statement.
He described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development, noting that Nigeria's vast mineral resources could only translate into economic prosperity through competent professionals, reliable geological data, responsible investments and modern technology.
The minister identified gold, lithium, iron ore, barite, limestone, lead-zinc and bitumen as some of the country's commercially viable mineral resources, stressing that their development would create opportunities for economic diversification, industrialisation, employment generation and increased government revenue.
He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ministry's Seven-Point Agenda, which seek to build a competitive mining industry capable of attracting credible investments and promoting local value addition.
Alake urged the trainees to acquire practical competencies in geological mapping, mineral exploration, geophysical and geochemical investigations, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), laboratory analysis and digital technologies.
He also encouraged them to explore business opportunities across the mining value chain, including geological data services, mineral testing, exploration support, mineral processing, environmental consultancy and mining technology.
According to him, the solid minerals industry offers opportunities for young professionals to become entrepreneurs, innovators and employers of labour rather than depend solely on conventional employment.
"As pioneers of this maiden cohort, your conduct and performance will help determine the programme's future," he said, urging the graduates to demonstrate excellence, commitment and measurable contributions.
The minister challenged the NGSA to sustain the initiative through partnerships with universities, research institutions, professional bodies and private-sector operators to expand practical training and employment opportunities.
He assured the agency of the ministry's continued support for programmes designed to strengthen institutional capacity and develop a skilled workforce for the mining industry.
Alake congratulated the agency and the selected graduates, expressing confidence that the quality of professionals being trained today would play a critical role in shaping the future of Nigeria's solid minerals sector.