In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s mining sector, the Federal Government has launched a technical training programme for mining professionals, in partnership with the Australian Government.
The initiative is a key outcome of the Nigeria–Australia collaboration, supported by the Commonwealth Government, and is aimed at bridging skill gaps in the sector while deepening bilateral ties between both nations.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, flagged off the pilot phase of the capacity-building programme at Murdoch University, Australia, for the first batch of 11 Nigerian mining professionals.
Backed by the Australian Government and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, the two-week programme will cover areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research.
It will also include field excursions and engagements with leading experts in mining operations, sustainability, and investment.
A statement by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja, quoted the Minister as saying the programme represents the fulfilment of a vision conceived at the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, where a bilateral agreement was signed with the Government of Western Australia and Murdoch University.
“This training is a major leap forward in our commitment to developing a technically proficient workforce,” Alake said. “I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and to the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing this to fruition.”
He also commended Murdoch University for its openness and commitment to fostering global cooperation in the mining industry, urging participants to make the most of the opportunity and return home ready to influence policy and practice in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and pledged continued support.
He said the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety would host the participants during their stay, offering practical exposure to global best practices.
Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, noted that the programme aligns with the university’s mission of providing ethical and globally inclusive education.
