Prof. Eguakhide Oaikhinan, a Professor of Ceramic Engineering since 1994, says Nigeria’s solid minerals sector could significantly boost GDP through accurate data, value-driven processing, and skilled manpower.
He made the remarks in an interview with reporters on Sunday in Lagos.
Oaikhinan noted that ceramics and solid minerals are inseparable in driving industrial growth.
Although the government often highlights about 44 different solid minerals in Nigeria, he said the sector has yet to realize 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 harness the full potential of the solid minerals sector,” he said.
He argued that exporting raw minerals would not generate sustainable revenue, stressing that true economic value comes from processing and industrial utilization.
The professor highlighted discrepancies in existing geological data, noting that several known deposits are missing from official records—a situation that discourages investment and planning.
Oaikhinan said thorough characterization of solid minerals is vital for creating bankable projects attractive to local and foreign investors.
He explained that ceramics are critical to everyday life and modern industry, 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 specialized manpower, pointing out that Nigeria has no dedicated departments of ceramic engineering despite having over 250 universities.
Oaikhinan noted that most functional ceramic industries in the country are owned by foreign investors, with minimal Nigerian participation.
He recommended a three-step approach to unlocking the sector’s GDP potential: re-exploration to accurately locate deposits, expert characterization to determine industrial viability, and development of bankable investment projects.
The professor also announced plans for the maiden Nigerian Ceramic Investment Summit and Product Exhibition, scheduled for June.
He said the summit aims to convert ideas into products, investments, and industrial partnerships.
Oaikhinan urged the government to review educational curricula and policy frameworks, treating ceramics 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.
