Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a landmark move to bridge Nigeria’s technical capacity gap in the solid minerals sector, the Federal Government has officially launched an international training programme for Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University in Australia.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and backed by the Australian Government, marks a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to transition from a raw mineral exporter to a knowledge-driven mining economy.
Eleven Nigerians have commenced intensive technical training in key areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mine value-chain development.
The programme also offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with Australian industry experts and gain hands-on experience in one of the world’s most advanced mining ecosystems.
Announcing the launch, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, described the initiative as a “historic leap forward” in Nigeria’s quest to develop a self-reliant and technologically proficient mining industry.
“This is only the beginning. We are investing in our people, the most critical mineral resource we have. With this partnership, we are closing the skills gap and building a mining sector that truly serves Nigerians.”
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “unwavering support for institutional and human capital development” and thanked the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda, for her “tireless commitment” to strengthening bilateral ties.
“Murdoch University has welcomed us warmly. We are confident our scholars will represent Nigeria with distinction and return with the expertise to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.”
The programme, which took less than two years to design and roll out, is part of broader reforms aimed at repositioning the mining sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
According to the Minister, the training will not only enhance Nigeria’s local content in mining operations but also reduce the country’s reliance on foreign technical labor.
“This partnership with one of the world’s top mining nations is more than academic, it is strategic. It signals our commitment to transforming minerals into development, and skills into sovereignty.”
The trainees are expected to return and take up leading roles in technical operations, regulation, and private sector projects within Nigeria’s mining ecosystem.
