Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has emphasized the crucial role of mining and geosciences in Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrialization.
To this end, Nnaji has urged the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, to collaborate with agencies under his ministry to harness government programs for scientific and technological advancement.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by NMGS President, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, in Abuja, the Minister stressed the need to modernize the sector using innovative technologies.
He said, “We must strengthen collaboration to integrate cutting-edge technologies for efficiency, safety, and economic sustainability of the country.”
The Minister highlighted that advancing the sector requires leveraging Artificial Intelligence for data analysis, renewable energy for efficiency, and advanced geopolitical surveys for improved resource estimation.
He further stated that the government is committed to tackling industrial challenges by promoting local value addition, reducing raw material exports, supporting capacity building, and driving home-grown research and development solutions.
In response, Prof. Akinade Olatunji reaffirmed NMGS’s commitment to collaborating with the ministry to drive socio-economic transformation through innovation, science, and technology.
“One of our mandates is to promote innovation, create and sustain national wealth through oil and gas, agriculture, and solid mineral extraction for economic advancement,” he said.
