The Federal Government has begun sensitisation on the aeromagnetic survey in six additional states in the country.
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development confirmed that it has engaged a consultant (Excalibur) to carry out the survey.
Mr Ishaku Kigbu, the Media and Communication Officer, Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project in the ministry, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin.
Kigbu said the ministry is conducting the survey in order to improve the availability of geological information and data.
He explained that the information would enhance the diversification of the economy through mineral sector development.
“The new carved-out areas are in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi and Edo States and parts of Kwara and Kogi.
“This task involves the use of specialised aircraft flying at very low altitudes to capture magnetic anomalies.
“In Kwara, the aircraft will fly at low altitudes to capture geological information and data in Omu’aran, Ifelodun, Edu, Ekiti, Isin and Oke-Ero LGAs.
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“To mitigate the impact, fears and tension, MinDiver has deployed a team to sensitise communities in affected states,” he explained.
On the additional blocks of Geophysical Mapping Survey in Kwara, Kigbu said airborne Mapping Survey started in June 2021.
He explained that the programme experienced overlaps due to weather conditions and logistical reasons.
The programme, he said, is progressed well.
“The current sensitisation exercise is to cover additional areas carved out after the initial exercises held in 2021 and 2022.
“It will further re-sensitise the populace not to panic upon sighting the aircraft.
“The consultant handling the project has achieved over 40 per cent of the data acquisition in the South West parts of Nigeria without any challenge.
“This renewed effort became necessary due to the extension of the activity to the western border of Nigeria in Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi and Edo states.
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