To enhance diversification of the nation’s economy, the federal government has begun geographical survey for information in parts of Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Oyo and Ogun states.
The exercise involves the use of specialised aircraft flying at very low altitude to capture magnetic anomalies and its being executed by the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver), a world bank assisted project.
Besides, the agency said the expanded survey became necessary in order to assist the mining sector in generating accurate information on the mineral potential of affected areas “following increased report on artisanal mining activities around the western border.”
The Media and Communication officer for MinDiver, Mr. Ishaku Kigbu, stated this during the renewed sensitisation of residents on the project in Edo state.
Kigbu noted that the sensitisation was to tell residents not to panic upon sighting aircraft flying at low altitude and said the agency has engaged a consultant (Excalibur) to carry out the aeromagnetic survey in the selected states.
He recalled that the Airborne Geophysical Mapping Survey started in June 2021, “where a robust sensitisation and enlightenment campaign was employed in the 19 states that were to be covered by the activities.”
The media officer also said the program which experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistical reasons have been progressing well since it started.
He said the consultant handling the project has achieved over 40 percent of the data acquisition in the South-west part of Nigeria without any major challenge or social tension.
