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NASENI Plans To Seek National Policy To Ban Export Of Strategic Minerals  

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L-R:  Dr. Bashir Gwandu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), receiving from Dr. Abdulrazak Garba, Director-General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), a geological map containing locations of solid minerals in Nigeria during a working visit to the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja on Monday July 31, 2023. Photo: NASENI.
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National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) plans to seek a national policy that will stop the export of strategic Solid Minerals overseas thereby domesticating the production of the end-products locally.

L-R:  Dr. Bashir Gwandu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), receiving from Dr. Abdulrazak Garba, Director-General, Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), a geological map containing locations of solid minerals in Nigeria during a working visit to the NASENI Headquarters, Abuja on Monday July 31, 2023.

NASENI is partnering the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to identify, analyze and profile different strategic minerals with a view to domesticate local production of end-products that can result from such minerals.

This was revealed by Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive vice chairman/chief executive 0fficer of NASENI, when he received Dr. Abdulrazaq A. Garba, Director-General of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), who was on a working visit to NASENI headquarters on Monday July 31, 2023 in Abuja.

The two agencies agreed to work on areas of possible collaborations on how to domesticate the end-product that can result from the abundant mineral resources in the country in order to create jobs, improve the economy and reduce capital flights by encouraging potential investors to set up processing plants in Nigeria for local production.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive vice chairman/chief executive 0fficer of NASENI, said Nigeria has so many strategic raw materials and must focus on processing of its Solid Minerals through a policy that would stop the exportation of certain raw materials and encourage investors, especially international manufacturers to come and establish their plants in Nigeria and produce locally.

 Sighting examples of lithium, titanium, low grade cobalt, nickel, tungsten ore, copper, phosphate, and kaolin which are in large quantities across the country, Dr. Gwandu said undocumented or artisanal miners are exporting thousands of tonnes of lithium weekly without knowing the value of other associated minerals such as rubidium and cesium in the lithium.

 He further explained that since electric vehicle (EV) battery can be made from it; he has invited some foreign companies from around the world that produce batteries including Chinese investors to discuss ways of ensuring that lithium batteries are manufactured locally in Nigeria.

 “We have a lot of phosphate in many states such as Sokoto and Kebbi and lithium is in abundance in Nigeria especially Kebbi, Nasarawa and Kwara states.

“Lithium phosphate is cheaper than other combinations and we also have lithium ion and lithium manganese.

“We want to start from assembly plants in the first instance while we await the actual production facility of the raw materials for the production of lithium batteries. We can develop assembling capacity even before we can have the main factory”, he stated.

 According to him, “We have the raw materials and we are going to produce something that would have direct impact on our economy.

“We cannot continue to be exporting raw materials and import finished goods only. We can use our resources in areas of technology to process the materials.

“It will be good if we put a policy that will limit export of raw materials so that companies will come and partner with us and produce locally.”

 The NASENI boss pointed out that the Agency wants to partner with agencies that will work together to figure out the compositions of the raw materials in the country and make sure that the end products are locally produced that will add value to the economy, adding that NASENI is ready to work together with NGSA on strategic Solid Minerals and other products that can have direct positive impact on Nigeria’s GDP whilst limiting our forex spending.

 In his response, Dr. Abdulrazaq A. Garba, director-general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), said NGSA was first established in 1919, adding that he was excited that NASENI established an Institute in Nasarawa state for solid minerals research, promising that he would work with NASENI on creation of more laboratories for scientific researches and mineral analysis.  

 He mentioned that there is need for Nigerian Agencies to synergized and work together in ensuring that the raw materials scattered all over the country are harnessed and processed as it will not only add value to the nation’s economy but create job opportunities as well as wealth creation.

“If we can have a synergy, we can take it beyond this, and we can begin to domesticate the use of raw materials.  We have the composition and details of the location of so many of them.

“What we need is to work together to domesticate industrial minerals processing. So, we are here to seek collaboration on technological development and domestication of the use of our industrial minerals”, he stated.

 The two Agencies agreed to work together on the issue of national policy to ban exportation of strategic minerals at the highest levels of government.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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