Business
FG Begins Certification Of Kaduna Geosciences Lab
The Federal Government has commenced a process of certifying the National Geosciences Research Laboratories (NGRL), in Kaduna to ensure that results of mineral sampling analysed in the laboratory meet international standard.
Deputy Director in charge of the Director-General Office, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Mr Isaac Okorie, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
Thr NGRL is one of the centres of excellence established by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), to conduct analytical tests on rocks, minerals and water in line with the responsibilities of the agency.
Okorie said, as part of efforts to certify the laboratory, some vital basic equipment needed for the process had been fixed.
He said that some equipment that required to be in operation for 24 hours nonstop had been settled.
He added that the three sources of power, including public power supply, three standby generators and solar system for the equipment had also been put in place.
Okorie, however, noted that the whole process for the certification would have been a thing of the past but due to lack of political will and funds that delayed the process.
According to him, the achievements made so far toward the process of certifying the laboratory is from the little fund made available to the NGSA by the government.
“We still need more to buy more equipment, expand the building and others,” he said.
He decried the way and manner in which miners took mineral samples to overseas for analysis while paying exorbitant foreign currencies for the analysis.
He said the advantages of the certification were enormous as the results of minerals analysed from the laboratory would be recognised and accepted at the international level.
“It will also save hard currencies for the mining operators and would create massive employment for the teeming youth.
“It will build relationship between Nigeria and International community and also reduce the cost of exploration and give clearer geology of minerals, “he said.
Okorie added that the laboratory would not only serve as mineral analysis centre but would also as a training centre for the allied industries, universities, security agencies, among others.
He said the agency engaged a world leading company, Society Generale de Souvelliance (SGS) for the certification.
He said it would also train the personnel on how to operate and conduct mineral analysis.
He said that, the certification of the laboratory would take two years to complete if adequate fund was provided.
The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.
The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.
Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.
“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.
He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.
According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.
“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.
Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.
He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.
“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.
He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.
“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.
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