Role of Geoscientist in Diversification of Nigeria Economy

ABSTRACT

Nigeria for over five decades now operates mono economy. Despite the diverse natural resources endowed to her by God. This started prior to the end of Biafra war in 1970, when Nigeria taps greatly from crude oil due to global rise in oil price. This over dependent on crude oil is to the disadvantage of other sectors such as; natural gas, solid mineral, water, environment, coal, tourism and agriculture that contributes enormously to the economy of any country like Nigeria. In 2017 Nigeria faced severe economic recession due to this over dependent. Hence the needs for this work arise, which focused on the role of geosciences in diversification of Nigeria Economy. Geoscientists, study the nature, composition and structure of the earth to increase scientific knowledge, locates minerals and materials, and advise on the extraction of minerals rehabilitation of land after mining and hazard mitigation. Geosciences are related disciplines with diverse area of specialization which include: Economic Geology, Hydrology, Petroleum Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry Petrology, Palaeontogy, Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Engineering Geology and Geomorphology. Geoscientists contribute immensely in diversification of Nigeria Economy through the following ways. Mineral exploration, ground water exploration, extraction of minerals, petroleum exploration, construction structures, construction of dam, market research, ensure quality and quantity of raw materials, waste management, ensuring energy supplies educate and advise civil Engineering on infrastructural building.