The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commissioned it’s first Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometre (ICP-MS) Laboratory at the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant step towards strengthening the mining sector.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized that the laboratory represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to provide credible geoscience data, attract investors, and enhance exploration activities. Represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Mary Ogbe, Alake stated that reliable geoscience data is crucial for investors and small-scale miners looking to expand their operations.
The ICP-MS Laboratory, the first of its kind in Nigeria, is a state-of-the-art analytical facility designed to detect and measure trace elements at extremely low concentrations. It will serve key sectors, including mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, forensic investigations, and clinical research. The minister highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, as it will help reduce capital flight by eliminating the need to send mineral samples abroad for testing.
“This facility will not only enhance investor confidence but also create value addition along Nigeria’s mineral value chain. It will serve stakeholders in material science, defense, environmental studies, and food analysis,” Alake said.
Additionally, the laboratory is expected to complement other government initiatives, such as the electronic Mineral Resources Decision Support System (NMRDSS), which enables real-time analysis of mineral deposits and surrounding infrastructure. It is estimated that the new facility could save Nigeria billions of naira annually, while also creating job opportunities by encouraging greater investment in the mining sector.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives and equipping them with modern mining techniques, ensuring responsible mining practices and increasing revenue generation. He urged stakeholders, including researchers, mining firms, and government agencies, to utilize the facility for mineral analysis. Plans are underway to compare the lab’s results with international standards and secure ISO accreditation, further enhancing its global credibility.
Speaking at the event, NGSA Director-General, Professor Olusegun O. Ige, stressed the laboratory’s importance in advancing geoscience research and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that the Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS acquired for NGSA is capable of detecting elements at concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb), making it an invaluable tool for mineral analysis, resource assessment, and environmental protection.
“With this facility, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s mining sector. We are also working towards obtaining ISO certification for all NGSA laboratories, ensuring our data meets global standards,” Professor Ige said.
The inauguration of the ICP-MS Laboratory is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, boosting investor confidence, and promoting sustainable mining practices. Stakeholders at the event commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing economic diversification through solid minerals development.
With the new facility now fully operational, Nigeria is better positioned to maximize its vast mineral resources, drive industrialization, and attract global investors into the mining sector.
