Hon Alake commissions Nigeria’s first ICP-MS Lab, stakeholders applaud Tinubu’s mining agenda
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria’s mining sector has taken a giant leap forward with the commissioning of the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) Laboratory at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The state-of-the-art facility is expected to revolutionize mineral resource analysis, attracting investors and boosting economic growth in the mining sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Hon. Dele Alake, represented by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, inaugurated the facility, stressing the importance of continuous training and capacity building to ensure the laboratory’s long-term efficiency. The NGSA Director General, Prof. Olusegun Ige, described the initiative as a game-changer, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform the mining industry.
The ICP-MS laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows for high-precision analysis of minerals and rocks. This advancement will play a crucial role in geological surveys, environmental monitoring, quality control, and research and development all of which are essential to positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global mining industry.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including Women in Mining and academic professionals, hailed President Tinubu’s proactive policies in revamping the mining sector. HRH Queen Mother Amb. Amina Temitope Labinjo Ajayi, also known as Mama Diaspora, praised Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification, stating that Nigeria is now better equipped to harness its vast mineral wealth.
The SV-NED Mining Company Chairman/CEO also lauded the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals for ensuring inclusivity, particularly involving women in mining initiatives. In response, Mama Diaspora appealed to the NGSA for a 50% discount on ICP-MS sampling tests to make the facility more accessible to women in mining.
Experts believe the new laboratory will drastically improve mineral exploration accuracy, providing investors with reliable geological data and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the mining sector. By leveraging modern technology and sustainable mining practices, the government aims to create new job opportunities and drive economic prosperity.
The commissioning of the ICP-MS laboratory marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to revitalize the solid minerals sector. As President Tinubu continues to push for economic transformation, the mining industry is expected to play a crucial role in achieving a $1 trillion economy, securing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global extractive industry.
