To support the mining industry, the Federal Government has put the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Headquarters in Abuja into service with the first Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) Laboratory.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized during the facility’s commissioning on Tuesday in Abuja that the laboratory is a significant step in the government’s endeavors to supply reliable geoscience data, draw in investors, and advance exploration in the nation.
“To attain the intended growth, the mining sector roadmap has identified crucial gaps that need to be filled. On behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, Dr. Alake stated, “One of these is the need for trustworthy geoscience data to enable investors to develop projects and support small-scale miners in growing into large-scale entrepreneurs.”
The ICP-MS Laboratory is a cutting-edge analytical facility that can detect and measure trace elements at incredibly low concentrations. It is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Among other things, it will offer vital services in forensic investigations, clinical research, environmental monitoring, mineral exploration, and production.
The minister emphasized that by giving local residents access to top-notch mineral analysis, the facility’s commissioning will support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and lessen capital flight.
Along Nigeria’s mining value chain, this facility would not only boost investor confidence but also add value. It will benefit those involved in environmental studies, food analysis, defense, and material science,” he continued.
According to the Minister, the facility would support other government programs, like the creation of an electronic Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDSS), which allows for real-time study of nearby infrastructure and mineral reserves.
It was learned that by removing the need to transport mineral samples overseas for analysis, the new lab is anticipated to save Nigeria billions of naira per year. Additionally, it will generate job opportunities by promoting investment in the industry.
“We are dedicated to providing artisanal miners with modern mining techniques and formally incorporating them into cooperatives. In addition to creating more jobs and increasing national revenue, this will guarantee ethical mining methods,” he said.
In order to fully utilize the ICP-MS laboratory, he urged all parties involved—researchers, mining companies, and governmental organizations—to bring in samples for examination. Plans are already underway to test the lab’s results with worldwide standards to gain ISO accreditation, which will further increase its credibility.
Speaking during the event, the Director-General of NGSA, Professor Olusegun O. Ige, stressed the importance of the laboratory in promoting geoscience research and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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“The commissioning of this facility represents a significant leap in our efforts to generate high-quality geoscience data that will drive investment and economic growth. It will lessen Nigeria’s reliance on foreign labs by guaranteeing the country has a top-notch mineral analysis facility,” he said.
Professor Ige highlighted that the Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS collected for NGSA can detect elements in concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb), making it an invaluable tool for mineral analysis, resource assessment, and environmental protection.
“With this facility, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s mining sector. In order to guarantee that our data satisfies international standards, we are also aiming to have all NGSA laboratories certified by ISO,” he continued.
Another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve institutional capacity, increase investor trust, and support sustainable mining practices has been taken with the commissioning of the ICP-MS Laboratory.
Stakeholders at the occasion complimented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its renewed focus on economic diversification through solid minerals development.
Nigeria is in a better position to make the most of its enormous natural resources, promote industrialization, and draw in foreign investors to the mining industry now that the new laboratory is up and running.
