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Prof. Eguakhide Oaikhinan, Professor of Ceramic Engineering, says Nigeria’s solid minerals sector could significantly boost GDP with accurate data, value-driven processing, and skilled manpower.
Oaikhinan, who has been a professor of Ceramic Engineering since 1994, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
He noted that ceramics and solid minerals were inseparable in driving industrial growth.
He said although government often highlighted the existence of about 44 different solid minerals in Nigeria, the sector was yet to realise its economic potential due to inadequate data on mineral locations, characteristics and value chains.
“Where are these solid minerals located. What are their characteristics that make them marketable.Do we have data from exploration through mining, processing and production?
“We need all these to be able to harness the full potential of the solid minerals sector,” he said.
He argued that exporting raw solid minerals would not generate sustainable revenue, stressing that “true economic value comes from processing and industrial utilisation.”
The professor cited discrepancies in existing geological data, saying several known deposits were missing from official records, a development he said discouraged investment and planning.
Oaikhinan said that thorough characterisation of solid minerals was vital for creating bankable projects attractive to local and foreign investors
He said ceramics were critical to everyday life and modern industry, noting that they were used in housing, power transmission, automobiles, electronics, telecommunications and medical applications.
“There will be no electricity without ceramic insulators, no vehicles without ceramic components and no phones or computers without ceramics.
“Materials such as clay, kaolin and silica sand, which are widely available across the country, could support multiple industries if properly processed and developed,” he added.
He expressed concern over the lack of specialised manpower, saying Nigeria had no dedicated departments of ceramic engineering in spite having over 250 universities.
Oaikhinan added that most functional ceramic industries in the country were owned by foreign investors, with minimal Nigerian participation.
He recommended a three-step approach to unlocking the sector’s GDP potential.
“These steps include: re-exploration to accurately locate mineral deposits, expert characterisation to determine industrial viability, and the development of bankable investment projects,” he said.
The professor also announced plans for the maiden Nigerian Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition scheduled for June.
He said the summit was aimed at converting ideas into products, investments and industrial partnerships.
He urged government to review educational curricula and policy frameworks, saying ceramics should be treated as a core industrial discipline rather than fine art.
“Ceramics is at the heart of housing, infrastructure, medical and engineering development.
“Until our policies and perception change, the sector cannot contribute meaningfully to GDP,” he said
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