The Federal Government is set to re-position the solid mineral sector. The project, being administered by the Mines and Steel Development Ministry, is meant to develop the mining cadastre system and position the mineral titles in the country correctly.
It will also help to minimise conflict and investment risks as well as meet international best practices.
In a statement by the ministry, the project would be implemented in collaboration with the Surveyor General of the federation.

It added that the project would be for 13 months which begun in May this year and would be financed by a credit facility obtained from the International Development Association (IDA). According to the document, ``the geodetic triangulation of Nigeria was established between the 50s and 60s, however, only six points were measured with high accuracy Global Positioning System (GPS).''
It is estimated that for Nigeria with 923.768 sq km the measurement of around 40 points will be sufficient.
The six points measured before are Maiduguri, Gusau, Yola, Ugboha, Argungu and Minna, the document further stated.

It noted that the ministry would work with a local consultant to offer technical assistance aimed at improving Nigeria's geodetic network.
The network will cover the cartographic (map incorporating diagrammatic statistics) gaps, using geological satellite images.

The statement explained further that it would help to reinforce the technical capacity of management of the mining titles in the ministry.
"The geodetic project will increase government's long-term institutional and technical capacity to manage Nigeria's mineral resources in a sustainable way. The project will also establish a basis for poverty reduction and rural economic renewal in selected areas of the country".
"These objectives would be achieved through the development of non-farm income generating opportunities through small scale and artisanal mining to fully diversify from oil revenue, the document added".

The geodetic project will improve Nigeria's competitiveness to attract private investments through the strengthening of governance and transparency in the administration of mining rights and activities".