Shettima: Nigeria Eyes Geo-Heritage Partnerships

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s readiness to unlock the economic and developmental value of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, stressing that the Tinubu administration will work closely with stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, led by its chairman, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Shettima declared that the government’s “doors are open for collaboration,” particularly with state governments.

He maintained that although Nigeria had come late in maximizing the benefits of its geo-heritage resources, the current administration was determined to make progress. “It is better late than never,” he said, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s government is committed to repositioning the country across sectors — from the economy and culture to diplomacy, education, and agriculture.

The vice president praised the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for their efforts in safeguarding the nation’s geo-heritage. He also lauded UNESCO IGGP’s alignment with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Shettima highlighted the vast opportunities embedded in geo-heritage, ranging from job creation and sustainable tourism to peacebuilding in host communities and access to international research funding. “This country is richly endowed. All hands must be on deck to make it work. I urge you to join us as partners in repositioning Nigeria,” he urged.

Earlier, Dr. Isyaku called for federal backing to enable the committee to map and develop a full inventory of Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, while completing ongoing geoscience projects nationwide. He noted that the formation of Nigeria’s national committee, five decades after the global body was established, has formally integrated the country into the International Geoscience Programme framework.

He assured the vice president that the committee would continue to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on advancing climate resilience and raising public awareness of geoscience benefits.