NIGERIA RISKS FUTURE MINERAL IMPORTS — GEOPHYSICISTS WARN

Geophysicists have warned that Nigeria could become increasingly dependent on imported minerals in the future if the country fails to properly conserve and develop its strategic mineral deposits.
The experts called for a national mineral conservation policy to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and ensure they are available to support future economic development.
They stressed that Nigeria’s mineral deposits should be treated as strategic national assets and managed sustainably rather than exploited without proper planning.
According to the geophysicists, uncontrolled extraction and inadequate conservation could gradually deplete important mineral resources, leaving the country dependent on other nations for minerals that are currently available domestically.
They also urged the government to invest more in geological surveys, exploration and accurate mapping of mineral deposits to determine the country’s reserves and guide responsible exploitation.
The experts said better regulation would help reduce illegal mining, protect mineral-rich communities and ensure that Nigeria derives greater economic value from its natural resources.
They further called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, researchers, mining companies and local communities to develop a sustainable approach to mineral exploitation.
A national mineral conservation policy, they argued, would help balance current economic needs with the responsibility to preserve resources for future generations.
The warning comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from heavy dependence on crude oil by developing the solid minerals sector.