Regional geochemical mapping in Nigeria : results from the collaborative project between the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the British Geological Survey

Systematic regional geochemical mapping in Nigeria commenced in 2007 inspired by the IGCP Project 259 – A global geochemical database for environmental and resource management. This geochemical mapping programme was given impetus by the World Bank funded project (2008-2011)between the British Geological Survey and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency. The work trained Nigerian geoscientists in all aspects of regional geochemical mapping from the sampling strategy, fieldwork, data interpretation through to map and report production. During this period the equivalent of two Global Reference Network cells were sampled with the collection of stream sediments from areas in central and south-western Nigeria. The results demonstrate the major geochemical variations are controlled by geology as well as weathering and winnowing processes, with subtle variations resulting from some anthropogenic activities. Metalliferous mineral targets for further exploration have been identified. One of the prime objectives of this work was to build up competence in the exploration sector so as to diversify away from Nigeria’s dependence on a hydrocarbon based economy. Along with other major national geoscience projects (e.g. airborne geophysical mapping, the geochemical baseline mapping has contributed to Nigeria possessing a comprehensive geoscience information base both for mineral exploration and environmental protection.