Nigeria has launched a two-week capacity enhancement programme for mining professionals at Murdoch University in Australia, marking a significant step in strengthening its mining sector through international collaboration. This initiative, championed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, is the outcome of a strategic partnership between Nigeria and Australia, with support from the Commonwealth Government and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria.
The training programme, involving eleven Nigerian professionals, was unveiled at Murdoch University and is part of a broader plan to address technical and policy-related skill gaps in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. It follows a bilateral agreement signed during the 2023 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth, where Nigeria formalised partnerships with the Government of Western Australia, the Australian Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, and Murdoch University.
The training will cover key areas such as extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research. Participants will engage in intensive classroom sessions, industry-led discussions, and field trips designed to expose them to cutting-edge mining practices, investment models, and sustainability frameworks.
At the programme’s launch, the minister described the initiative as the fruition of a vision conceived less than two years ago. He acknowledged the backing of Nigeria’s President and commended the role of Australia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who provided consistent diplomatic and logistical support. The minister also thanked Murdoch University’s leadership for their commitment to the programme and urged the participants to embrace the training as a critical step towards national development.
He noted that Nigeria’s collaboration with Australia, a global mining powerhouse, would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also provide Nigeria with the technical expertise needed to govern its mineral resources more effectively. According to him, the programme is not just an academic opportunity but a transformational journey that could shape Nigeria’s mining future and make the sector more inclusive, productive, and transparent.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Murdoch University’s Vice-Chancellor emphasized the university’s commitment to ethical and sustainable resource development. He noted that the training aligns with their mission to foster global partnerships through impactful education. The Vice-Chancellor stressed that initiatives like this are vital for ensuring that knowledge sharing translates into development benefits for both countries.
The Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum also expressed optimism about the partnership, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in building a resilient and sustainable mining sector. He described the engagement with Nigerian professionals as a meaningful exchange that could lead to long-term cooperation and innovation.
In addition to the classroom and field training, the programme includes structured engagements with the Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. These interactions are expected to give participants insights into regulatory best practices, safety standards, and operational efficiency within Australia’s mining sector.
This pilot training is part of Nigeria’s broader plan to modernise its mining industry and expand the country’s technical workforce in line with global standards. By investing in people and partnerships, the government hopes to build a resilient sector capable of driving economic diversification, attracting responsible investment, and creating sustainable jobs.
