The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has urged immediate action to harness Nigeria’s vast mineral resources as a pathway to economic transformation.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Joint Technical Committee with the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, he said every region of the country holds valuable minerals capable of driving industrial growth and national development.
Dr. Adepoju stated that the committee’s work will extend beyond land-based mining to explore opportunities beneath Nigeria’s inland and offshore waters.
He noted that space-based technologies will play a critical role in discovering and assessing mineral deposits, even in remote and inaccessible areas, to boost trade, industry, and infrastructure development.
According to him, the committee, comprising experts from NASRDA and the Ministry of Steel Development, will produce a costed action plan, practical strategies, and a sustainable funding model within a set timeframe.
He added that NASRDA will provide technical expertise in locating and analyzing iron ore and other alloys to enhance raw material supply for industries, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The Ministry’s delegation, led by Engr. Kola Ogunbiyi, commended NASRDA’s advanced capacity in detecting and evaluating raw materials such as iron ore, limestone, and coking coal.
Ogunbiyi assured that the Ministry is committed to supporting the partnership to deliver tangible economic benefits to Nigerians.
