Assessment of the Role of Geological Survey Data in Guiding Investment in the Nigerian Solid Minerals Sector

Geological survey data generated by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) constitutes a fundamental public good that should guide private sector investment in the solid minerals sector. This study assesses the quality, accessibility, and utilisation of NGSA geological data by prospective investors in the mining sector. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a content and quality assessment of available NGSA geological maps and reports with structured surveys of 40 investors and exploration geologists who had used or attempted to use NGSA data in investment decisions. Interview data from six NGSA officials provided an institutional perspective on data production and dissemination challenges. Findings reveal that the majority of available NGSA geological maps were produced prior to 1990 and have not been updated to reflect modern geochemical and geophysical survey data. Only 12 percent of surveyed investors described NGSA data as adequate for guiding initial investment decisions. Data accessibility is hampered by a physical-only retrieval system and limited digitalisation of archival records. Investors, particularly international companies, routinely commission their own regional exploration programmes rather than relying on NGSA data, at significant additional cost. The study recommends an accelerated national geoscience data modernisation programme funded through a mining sector levy, and the establishment of a publicly accessible digital data portal. Keywords: geological survey, NGSA, investment, solid minerals, data accessibility.