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…Wins NSEG fellowship for driving mining sector growth
The Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, has bagged an honorary fellowship from the Nigerian Society of Economic Geologists (NSEG) for her contributions to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Shinkafi was elected into the Class of Honorary Fellows and presented with the award at the opening ceremony of NSEG’s 5th Annual International Conference in Kaduna on Monday.
The event, held at Raffles Suites Hotel, Rabah Road, followed the Society Council’s decision at its 80th meeting on September 26, 2026.
The honour recognises Shinkafi’s support for the Society and commitment to advancing geoscience, mineral exploration and sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Under her leadership, SMDF has intensified efforts to mobilise financing for mineral exploration, research and investment to unlock the country’s vast mineral wealth.
A major intervention is the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE), an SMDF-funded initiative designed to provide funding for early-stage exploration, critical minerals development and research.
The programme seeks to bridge the funding gap confronting mining projects at their early stages, when conventional private investors are often reluctant to commit resources.
Through EMERGE, the Fund aims to unlock Nigeria’s mineral potential, promote local value addition and prepare promising projects for investment.
SMDF also recognises the critical role of geoscience expertise in reducing exploration risks, improving geological data and identifying commercially viable mineral deposits.
The Fund is strengthening collaboration with professional bodies, research institutions, government agencies, exploration companies and development partners to build a competitive mining industry.
The NSEG recognition underscores the importance of partnerships between mining finance institutions and geoscience professionals in driving mineral discovery, attracting investment and ensuring sustainable development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
