Nigerian government releases N142.6m for research in mineral and metal sector

The Nigerian Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, says the federal government has released N142.6m for the purpose of research and development in the Mineral and Metal Sector.

Adegbite stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the occasion of the stakeholders Validation Exercise for the Research and Development in collaboration with some Nigeria Tertiary Institutions.

Adegbite named the institutions as; University of Ibadan, University of Port-Harcourt, University of Lagos, University of Jos, Ebonyi State University, Nasarawa State University, Federal University of Technology, The Kaduna Polytechnic, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University amongst others.

He added that these Tertiary Institutions, after due diligence, were carefully selected by independent faculty of five (5) erudite Professors who have contributed to the growth of the sector.

“The research covers areas of Mining Engineering, Metallurgy and Mineral Processing, Geological Mapping, Industrial and Minerals Utilization/Exports and Energy Minerals.”

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, who was represented by the Director Special Duties, Mr. Yisau Adepoju, said in the ministry’s effort to rejuvenate the mining sector, it finds it crucial to collaborate with these institutions to carry out this research in specific areas which is intended to open up new frontiers in the Mining sector by providing the much needed data on the Nigerian Solid Mineral sector endorsement.

Akinlade added that it is gratifying that these reputable institutions have completed their works. For their findings to be acceptable, it is customary, like in any other piece of research work it remains only an academic exercise until critical stakeholders come together to give it life so as to pave the way towards its acceptance and implementations.

She stated that the validation of the research findings by all the stakeholders will unlock the potentials and add value to the mining and mineral sector.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Gbenga Okunola, in his remarks thanked the ministry for giving them the privilege to serve and told the gathering that nations develop as a result of collaborative research and development and that the objective of the Steering Committee is to help achieve the whole garment of the development mantra in the mineral and metal sector through collaborative research works such as this.

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