DSMAM, NGSA STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
By: Ifeyinwa Amulu
Determined to transform Abuja’s mining sector from an unregulated frontier into a thriving hub of transparency, safety and economic potential, the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters (DSMAM), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has reiterated its commitment to fostering stronger collaboration with affiliate professional bodies one of which the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) toward sustainable mineral development and improved revenue generation in the Federal Capital Territory.
This formed the highlight of a courtesy visit by the DSMAM management team, led by its Director, Mrs. C.M. Obrike, to the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency recently.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Obrike described the engagement as “an important step toward strengthening collaboration and forging a mutually beneficial partnership between both agencies of government.”
She explained that DSMAM, established in November 2022, was created to coordinate and promote activities in the solid minerals sector through effective engagement with stakeholders in both the formal and informal sectors, with the primary objective of enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the FCT.
According to her, the FCT Administration remains committed to transparent regulation, capacity building, and creating an enabling environment for legitimate mining and mineral-related businesses to thrive.
Mrs. Obrike acknowledged the critical role played by NGSA in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of geological data required for sustainable mineral resource development across the country.
“The Department of Solid Minerals recognizes the pivotal role that the NGSA plays in providing geoscientific data that forms the backbone of sustainable mineral development in our nation,” she stated.
She added that DSMAM was eager to explore areas of technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives that would support responsible exploitation of mineral resources for economic growth and social development within the FCT and Nigeria at large.
As part of efforts to strengthen its geoscientific database, the Department formally requested access to key geological materials and datasets covering the FCT and surrounding areas. These include geological and mineral occurrence maps, geophysical and geochemical survey data, aeromagnetic survey data, reports of past exploration activities, hydrogeological information, environmental geological data, and other relevant publications.
Mrs. Obrike explained that the requested information would be utilized strictly for official purposes such as mineral resource assessment, planning, policy development, investment promotion, and sustainable resource management within the Federal Capital Territory.
She also expressed DSMAM’s readiness to discuss data-sharing frameworks and comply with any procedures or conditions required for access to the materials.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Prof. Olusegun Ige, warmly welcomed the DSMAM delegation to the Agency. He emphasized the need to establish proper synergy with the Federal Capital Territory Administration in order to foster a strong and productive working relationship.
Prof. Ige further noted that the NGSA serves as the technical arm of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (FMSMD) and is responsible for the management and dissemination of geoscience data in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant government institutions in driving the growth and sustainability of the nation’s solid minerals sector.
While expressing the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with the department, he also pledged capacity building support and training for staff to equip them with modern trends, technical expertise, professional ethics, and other essential competencies necessary to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of the department’s mandate.
Mrs Obrike thanked the Director General for the warm reception accorded the department and his unwavering commitment towards strengthening inter-Agency collaboration for the advancement of Nigeria’s mineral sector, she reaffirmed DSMAN’s commitment to building enduring partnership that will promote responsible mineral resource development, boast IGR and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development
She also extended profound gratitude to the Honorable Minister of FCT Barr. Nyesom Wike CON for his visionary leadership, continuous support and commitment to institutional reforms and sustainable economic development within the FCT. The Director noted that the Minister’s dedication to unlocking the vast potential of the solid minerals sector continues to inspire the department towards greater efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
