Abuja: Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to unlock the socio-economic potentials of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites. To achieve this, Shettima stated that the Nigerian government’s ‘doors are open for collaboration’ with relevant stakeholders, particularly the sub-national governments.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Vice President made these remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit from a delegation of the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), Nigeria National Committee (NNC), led by its chairman, Dr Aminu Isyaku. Shettima emphasized the importance of exploring the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the nation’s advancement, remarking that ‘it is better late than never.’
He added that the Tinubu administration is actively working to reposition Nigeria, highlighting changes across various sectors such as social, economic, cultural, sports, agriculture, education, and international diplomacy. Shettima also commended the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for their efforts in preserving Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites.
Shettima acknowledged the alignment of the UNESCO IGGP with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and recognized the committee’s objectives in promoting sustainable geo-science development under themes such as climate change, hydro-geology, geo-hazards, geo-dynamics, and geo-heritage. He encouraged the committee to expand its geoscience coverage across Nigeria’s geo-political zones and assured them of sustained support for their activities.
The Vice President highlighted the economic and development benefits of geo-heritage, including job creation, sustainable tourism, peace in host communities, and international research funding. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate in repositioning the country, stating, ‘This country is a blessed country, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work.’
Dr Isyaku sought the Nigerian Government’s support in developing a comprehensive inventory of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, mapping all heritage sites, and completing ongoing geo-science projects across the country. He noted that the establishment of a national committee for Nigeria, 50 years after the global body’s inception, has integrated the country within the International Geoscience Programme (IGCP) framework.
Dr Isyaku assured the Vice President that the committee aligns itself with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on goals such as climate resilience and raising public awareness about the benefits of geosciences.