By Ismaeel Aleem
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) dedication to harnessing the socio-economic potential of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites through strategic collaboration with stakeholders, particularly state governments.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee (NNC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday, Shettima emphasised the untapped opportunities in Nigeria’s geological assets.
Led by Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, the UNESCO IGGP delegation sought federal support to develop a comprehensive inventory of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, map these locations, and complete ongoing geoscience projects.
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Shettima welcomed the initiative, noting that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition Nigeria across social, economic, cultural, and environmental spheres.
“It is better late than never to explore the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the betterment of the nation,” Shettima said, highlighting opportunities such as job creation, sustainable tourism, peace in host communities, and international research funding.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate, stating, “This country is a blessed country, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work.”
Shettima praised the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for their efforts in preserving Nigeria’s geo-heritage.
He also encouraged the UNESCO IGGP NNC to expand its geoscience coverage across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, assuring sustained government support.
Isyaku, in his remarks, underscored the committee’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s geoscience framework, 50 years after the establishment of the global UNESCO IGGP.
He highlighted the committee’s focus on climate resilience, hydro-geology, geo-hazards, and sustainable geoscience development, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s priorities.
Isyaku also pledged to raise public awareness about the benefits of geosciences.
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The meeting was attended by key figures, including Prof. Olusegun Ige, Director General of NGSA and Secretary of UNESCO IGGP NNC; Uba Saidu Malami, President of the Geological Society of Nigeria; Dr. Olagunju Lateef, Secretary General of NATCOM UNESCO; and other notable geoscience experts.
As Nigeria seeks to leverage its geological assets, Shettima’s call for collaboration signals a renewed push to position the country as a global player in sustainable geoscience development, fostering economic growth and environmental resilience.
