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‘Nigeria, Africa’s New Mining Destination’
Foreign investors at the 2010 International Convention, Trade Show and Investor’s Exchange on Thursday in Toronto-Canada described Nigeria as the new mining destination in Africa.
This followed the presentation of the Airborne Geophysical Survey data of the nation to delegates at the convention.
The Tide’s source covering the conference reports that the survey, which covered two million line kilometre of magnetic gradiometer and radiometric showed the occurrence of new mineralised zones in several parts of the country.
The investors said that having exhausted other parts of Africa, the survey data would encourage them to invest in Nigeria, which they described as a virgin territory, and new destination.
President of the U.S. based Global Exploration and Development Company Benbella Ndive told the source that the survey data was a national treasure which would ensure the continued development of the sector.
Ndive said that the occurrence of mineralised areas as indicated by the survey would make investment more attractive, and exploration easier.
“The presentation of the airborne geophysical survey is fundamental to the development of mining and exploration in Nigeria. For over 40 years, Nigeria relied on oil and gas, and that led to mining companies investing more in Ghana, Bostwana, but with the data, the geology is unique that will encourage investment in the sector , as explorers will have a better interpretation and understanding of the geology,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Tom Jennemann of the American Metal Market, said that the friendly legislation and policy instituted by the Nigerian government would attract and encourage private sector to invest in the sector.
Jennemann urged the government to go beyond conferences and and conventions to market the sector adding, “ with this data, government should carry out wide spread campaign in major international media to create better understanding of the potentialities abound in the sector’’.
According to him, some countries depend on only one or two minerals as their biggest export“ but Nigeria is blessed with many, it should be explored to the maximum’’.
The Director General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, Prof Siyan Malomo, said the response of the investors had been excellent.
He said the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development decided to present the data in Canada because the convention was the largest gathering of world stakeholders in the industry.
“We have been collating data in the last two years. We did not have this type of data, and that is what investors need , so we have to come out to showcase what we have and let them know that we can compete with the countries they go to’’ he said. the source recalls that the survey was carried out in two phases, with phase one covering 44 per cent of the country and phase two covered 56 per cent, and lasted for two years from 2007 to 2009.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that the country would win the fight against insecurity.
The President gave the assurance at the Argungu International Fishing Festival in Argungu town, Kebbi State, on Saturday.
He noted that the relative peace currently being enjoyed in Kebbi and neighbouring states was the result of sustained investments in security intelligence, coordination among security agencies, and community engagement.
Tinubu assured farmers and fishermen of sustained federal support to guarantee food security and safety across the country.
“The peace we are witnessing today is not accidental. It is the outcome of deliberate and sustained efforts. I assure you that the fight against banditry, insurgency, and insecurity will be won.
“Our farmers, fishermen, traders, and families will go about their lawful activities without fear,” he assured.
The President commended the organisers of the festival for sustaining the cultural event for decades, noting that it had endured for 83 years despite social and security challenges.
Describing the Argungu festival as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence, Tinubu stated that it reflects the richness of the country’s culture and the opportunities to harness its natural and human resources for national growth.
He said, “Today, this festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and peaceful coexistence among our people.
“It reflects the richness of our culture, the strength of our traditions, and the opportunities inherent in harnessing our natural and human resources for national development.”
The President was received by a large crowd of residents, traditional rulers, fishermen, tourists, and government officials from across the country.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth and women empowerment, irrigation development, rural electrification, and agricultural productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said his administration was determined to elevate the Argungu Fishing Festival to full international standards while pursuing aggressive development across critical sectors of the state.
The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed today, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
The mission made this known in a notice shared on its official X page, yesterday.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day,” the post read.
According to the embassy, Presidents’ Day was originally established to honour the birthday of the former US President, George Washington, but has evolved into a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents and their leadership in shaping the country’s history.
The embassy noted that the holiday also recognises the influence of U.S. presidents on global affairs.
In a related message, the mission highlighted that Washington created the first “Badge of Military Merit,” which later became the Purple Heart. The medal still bears Washington’s image today.
Presidents’ Day is observed on the third Monday of February annually in the United States as a federal holiday.
News
Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Bid For UN Security Council Seat …Hails Tinubu’s Reforms, Regional Security Role
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has charged Nigeria with spearheading Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres, who backed Nigeria’s bid for the world body’s security council seat, also praised the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as well as Nigeria’s leadership in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing its own security challenges.
The UN scribe made the remarks last Friday night during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Speaking during the meeting, Guterres said Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism placed it in a unique position to lead Africa in the evolving global order.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” he said.
The UN Secretary-General and the vice president discussed key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding leadership role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended the remarkable and outstanding reforms of the administration of President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s bold economic restructuring and security commitments have strengthened its continental standing.
The meeting focused on strengthening Nigeria–UN collaboration to advance global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and a coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in advancing global peace, noting that Africa has benefited immensely from his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal restructuring.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” the vice president said.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect evolving global realities.
He emphasised that Africa must have stronger representation in global decision-making structures and declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.