In a move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector, the Federal Government has launched a technical capacity-building programme for mining professionals in collaboration with the Australian Government.
The pilot training initiative, hosted at Murdoch University in Western Australia, is a product of ongoing bilateral efforts between both nations and enjoys the backing of the Commonwealth Government of Australia. It is designed to bridge critical skill gaps in Nigeria’s mining industry and foster deeper international cooperation.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, officially flagged off the programme for the first cohort of Nigerian professionals undergoing training in Perth. According to a statement from his media aide, Segun Tomori, the two-week programme will offer specialized instruction in extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, mineral science research, and more.
The programme also features field excursions and engagements with leading mining experts, offering participants practical exposure to modern mining operations, environmental sustainability, and investment strategies.
“This training marks a significant milestone in our drive to build a technically equipped workforce for the solid minerals sector,” Alake said. “It is the realization of a vision initiated during the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, where we formalized a partnership with the Government of Western Australia and Murdoch University.”
Alake expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, as well as the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Leilani Bin-Juda, whose diplomatic efforts were pivotal to the programme’s launch.
He further praised the leadership of Murdoch University for its commitment to global collaboration, urging Nigerian participants to maximize the experience and return home ready to drive policy and innovation in the mining and extractive industries.
Also welcoming the Nigerian delegation was Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, who reaffirmed the state’s support for Nigeria’s mining reforms. He announced that the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety would host the participants during their stay, providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge industry standards.
Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, said the partnership aligns with the university’s mission to deliver globally inclusive and ethical education.
“This collaboration supports our commitment to building skills that have international impact while promoting knowledge exchange across borders,” Deeks stated.
The first cohort of 11 Nigerian mining professionals is expected to return with actionable insights and strategies to help shape the future of Nigeria’s mineral sector, one of the key pillars of the government’s economic diversification plan.
