DSMAM, NGSA SIGN MOU TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION ON MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
By: Ifeyinwa Amulu
The Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters (DSMAM), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening technical cooperation, capacity building and fieldwork collaboration in the development of the mineral sector.
The agreement was signed on recently, during a visit by the DSMAM management team to the NGSA, in what both institutions described as an important step towards deepening institutional collaboration and achieving tangible outcomes in mineral exploration and development.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director-General of NGSA Prof Olusegun Ige described the MoU as a “watershed” between the two agencies and expressed optimism that it would provide a framework for a robust and productive partnership.
Prof Ige noted that the NGSA had previously entered into several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements with other organisations that did not achieve their expected outcomes, stressing that the present agreement had been carefully scrutinised to ensure effective implementation.
He identified capacity building and training, as well as fieldwork collaboration, as immediate areas through which the partnership could begin to deliver results.
He highlighted the technical capacity of NGSA, including its geological laboratory and specialised equipment for mineral analysis, noting that the agency has more than 500 geologists and maintains an open-door policy for collaboration with states and organisations.
He assured DSMAM that the agency’s doors remained open to collaboration, particularly in areas that could strengthen the department’s technical capabilities.
The NGSA Director-General also commended the Director of DSMAM, Mrs. Chinyelu Obrike, for her tenacity and commitment towards bringing the agreement to fruition.
In her remarks, the Director of DSMAM, Mrs. Obrike said that upon assuming office at department she identified NGSA as one of the critical federal agencies with which the department needed to establish a strategic working relationship.
She explained that the department had subsequently engaged relevant institutions, including the Mines Controller Office (MCO), Federal Mines Office, Mines Inspectorate Department, Mines Environmental Compliance Department, all under the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD) as part of efforts to promote greater synergy within the sector.
She assured the NGSA management that the partnership represents part of the department’s broader effort to establish stronger working relationships with key institutions within the mining and geological sector and DSMAM would give the MoU the necessary push to ensure that its objectives were achieved subject to approvals from higher authorities in FCT Administration.
The Director of Geophysics, NGSA, Alhaji Abba Adamu, who endorsed the MoU on behalf of the agency, also advocated the establishment of a joint implementation committee to coordinate the various components of the agreement and develop timelines for their implementation.
He also indicated the agency’s readiness to support DSMAM in the establishment of a mineral laboratory, if required.
The MoU was signed on behalf of DSMAM by Mrs. Chinyelu Obrike, while the NGSA was signed by Alhaji Abba Adamu, Director of Geophysics. The signing was witnessed by senior officials from both institutions.
The agreement is expected to provide a structured platform for technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, training, mineral analysis, field activities and other areas of mutual interest.
The Deputy Director, Quarry, Mines and Economic Geology, DSMAM, Mr. Timothy Shemang, expressed appreciation to the NGSA management for the warm reception accorded the DSMAM delegation and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to the full implementation of the agreement.
He said DSMAM looked forward to a cordial and productive relationship with NGSA as both institutions work towards advancing mineral development and technical capacity. He reiterated DSMAM’s commitment to the full implementation of the MOU and looked forward to a cordial relationship.
