By Oluwaseyi Otitoju, Jamila Shuaibu
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has expressed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in a bid to accelerate development in the raw materials sector through the application of geosciences and mining engineering.
This was disclosed by the President of NMGS, Prof. A.S. Olatunji, during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso, at the Council’s headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Olatunji emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. “Our intention as a Society is to reach out to government agencies, the private sector, and international partners to explore how geosciences and mining engineering can fast-track development,” he said.
While noting the longstanding collaboration between both organisations, the NMGS President reaffirmed the Society’s willingness to support the Council’s mandate. “We believe we have the requisite knowledge, expertise, and experience to contribute meaningfully. We are open to working and collaborating with you in any area required,” he added.
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In his remarks, the Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Ike-Muonso, welcomed the delegation and expressed the Council’s readiness to enhance its partnership with the NMGS. He highlighted the ongoing development of a comprehensive raw materials database, describing it as critical to the implementation of the Council’s 30% value addition bill, which seeks to ensure that at least 30% of Nigeria’s raw materials are processed before export.
“The future of Nigeria lies in that bill,” Prof. Ike-Muonso stated, stressing its significance to national development and currency stabilisation.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional synergy, the Director-General requested NMGS to provide training for 200 RMRDC staff to boost their technical proficiency and understanding of raw materials science and application. He also reiterated the Council’s open-door policy, encouraging continuous engagement and collaboration.
