The Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi, has received an honorary fellowship from the Nigerian Society of Economic Geologists (NSEG) in recognition of her contributions to the geoscience profession and Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The award was presented on Monday, October 19, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the society’s fifth Annual International Conference in Kaduna.
Shinkafi’s election into the Class of Honorary Fellows followed a decision by the NSEG council at its 80th meeting, held on September 26, 2026.
The recognition highlights the importance of cooperation between institutions that finance mining activities and geoscience professionals whose expertise supports mineral exploration, resource assessment and sustainable development.
Under Shinkafi’s leadership, the SMDF has continued to support efforts to attract investment into Nigeria’s mining sector, with emphasis on mineral exploration, research and the development of the country’s mineral resources.
One of its key initiatives is the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration and Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE), which provides funding for early-stage mineral exploration, critical minerals development and research.
The programme is designed to help address funding gaps that often prevent promising exploration projects from progressing, particularly before they become attractive to conventional private investors.
Through such interventions, the SMDF aims to improve geological knowledge, reduce exploration risks, encourage local value addition and prepare viable mineral projects for investment.
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The recognition of Shinkafi by the NSEG also highlights the role of professional partnerships in building a stronger mining industry and making better use of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
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