In a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s mining sector, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has officially launched a capacity-building programme for the first batch of Nigerian mining professionals at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia.
The initiative, supported by the Commonwealth Government, is a significant outcome of the growing partnership between Nigeria and Australia. It aims to address critical skills gaps in Nigeria’s mining industry while deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Alake described the programme as the fruition of a vision conceived less than two years ago. He praised the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the dedication of Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Leilani Bin-Juda, for their roles in bringing the initiative to life.
“I must not fail to acknowledge the encouragement and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the tireless efforts of High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Juda, who has travelled back and forth, constantly engaging to ensure this vision becomes reality,” he said.
Dr. Alake also expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University for warmly welcoming the delegation and opening the university’s facilities to support the programme.
“Establishing a partnership with a leading mining nation like Australia is crucial to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting shared growth in our mining sectors,” he noted.
The Minister urged the Nigerian professionals to serve as worthy ambassadors and leverage the training to advance Nigeria’s technical expertise and inform evidence-based policy development in the minerals sector.
“Let this mark the beginning of a transformative journey—not only for those in this room but for the millions of Nigerians who will benefit from a more inclusive, better-governed, and productive mining industry,” he added.
Welcoming the delegation, Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in capacity building for the global resources sector.
“This programme reflects our university’s mission to promote ethical, sustainable, and inclusive engagement across continents through impactful education and research,” Professor Deeks said, noting that the support of the Commonwealth Government highlights the value of global collaboration in advancing knowledge and development.
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Also speaking, Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, expressed strong support for the collaborative approach to resource development.
The capacity-building initiative follows a bilateral agreement signed during the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth. The agreement between Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Government of Western Australia—through its Ministry of Mines and Petroleum and Murdoch University provides for targeted technical training to boost the expertise of Nigerian mining professionals.
