Australia has kicked off a major capacity-building programme for Nigerian mining professionals, with support from the Commonwealth Government. The initiative is aimed at closing skill gaps in Nigeria’s mining sector and building a long-term partnership between the two countries.
The training programme, launched by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to reform and develop its solid minerals industry.
The pilot phase involves 11 Nigerian professionals who will undergo two weeks of intensive training in technical mining fields, including extractive metallurgy, sustainable geochemistry, and mineral science research. Participants will also take part in field trips, engage with Australian industry experts, and explore modern practices in mining sustainability and investment.
Dr. Alake, while launching the programme on behalf of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, said the initiative is the result of strategic planning that began less than two years ago. He praised the collaboration and described it as a practical step toward repositioning Nigeria’s mining sector.
“Establishing a working relationship with a leading mining nation like Australia is crucial to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutually beneficial development in our mining sectors,” Alake said.
He added that the programme reflects President Tinubu’s broader vision of economic diversification, job creation, and industrial growth through solid minerals development.
The training programme was a product of agreements reached during the 2023 Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, where Dr. Alake signed a bilateral agreement with the Government of Western Australia, Murdoch University, and Australia’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.
The partnership was further strengthened by the active involvement of the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, especially through the efforts of High Commissioner Leilani Bin-Juda, who Alake said played a key role in ensuring the programme became a reality.
The Nigerian participants were selected based on their roles and contributions to the mining and solid minerals space. They are expected to return and apply their new knowledge to strengthen policy design, regulatory frameworks, and investment readiness in Nigeria’s mining sector.
“Let this moment mark the beginning of a transformative journey—not just for those attending this course, but for the millions of Nigerians who stand to benefit from a better-governed, more inclusive, and more productive minerals sector,” Alake charged.
Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor of Murdoch University, Professor Andrew Deeks, welcomed the Nigerian delegation and praised the collaborative spirit of the project. He described the programme as a model for international cooperation that promotes ethical and sustainable growth.
“The support of the Commonwealth Government underscores the importance of our nations coming together to share knowledge for the mutual benefit of our societies,” Deeks said.
He reiterated the university’s commitment to promoting knowledge transfer and innovation that can address global development needs, especially in sectors like mining which are crucial to economic growth.
Also lending support to the programme, Western Australia’s Minister for Mines and Petroleum, Hon. David Michael, said the collaboration with Nigeria is timely and strategic, given the shared interests in responsible and sustainable mineral exploration.
As part of the programme, Nigeria’s participants will also be hosted by the Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, where they will receive hands-on exposure to Australia’s regulatory practices and safety standards.
This training programme is part of the Nigerian government’s broader efforts to attract investment and ensure sustainable development of the mining sector, which has been underexploited for decades. With oil revenues declining, the administration has turned to sectors like mining to drive economic diversification.
The Nigerian government hopes that by improving local capacity, encouraging foreign partnerships, and enhancing technical expertise, the mining industry will become a major contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and job creation efforts.
The launch of this programme is not only a diplomatic win but also a strong statement of intent by Nigeria to take its place as a global player in mineral exploration and value addition.
