Spanning across Nigeria's central plains, the Middle Benue Trough is a geologically rich and expansive intra-cratonic rift basin that serves as a vital frontier for the country's agricultural abundance and emerging petroleum exploration.
A 5-year multidisciplinary study by researchers at the University of Jos (UNIJOS)has identified fresh petroleum system indicators and significant solid mineral prospects in Nigeria’s Middle Benue Trough (MBT), findings expected to strengthen future hydrocarbon and mineral exploration in the country.
The research, conducted under the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Professorial Chair Endowment Programme, focused on Shendam Sheet 212 of the Middle Benue Trough and combined geological, geochemical and geophysical investigations to provide new insights into the area’s resource potential.
Presenting the findings at the close-out seminar of the PTDF Professorial Chair Programme at the University of Jos on Thursday, the Chair Professor, Prof. Nuhu K. Samaila, said the study confirmed favourable conditions for both petroleum generation and economically viable mineral deposits within the basin.
According to him, the Benue Trough remains one of Nigeria’s most prospective but underexplored inland sedimentary basins despite hosting strategic minerals such as barite, lead and zinc alongside hydrocarbon potential.
He said the integrated study was designed to evaluate the petroleum system of the Middle Benue Trough, assess the area’s solid mineral potential and generate scientific data that would improve future exploration strategies and resource development.
Samaila explained that field investigations around Shendam, Wase, Langtang South and adjoining areas revealed geological evidence of ancient marine environments, volcanic activity and rock formations associated with mineralisation and petroleum systems.
He added that the team also established the geological boundary between the Benue Trough and the Basement Complex using scientific evidence, updating previous geological mapping of the area.
Beyond the scientific discoveries, Samaila called for increased investment in research infrastructure, particularly the establishment of world-class laboratories in Nigeria to reduce dependence on foreign facilities for geochemical analyses.
“We are asking PTDF for greater support so that we can have our analyses carried out here in this country. Even if it is not at the University of Jos, we should have a standard laboratory where such analyses can be undertaken,” he said.
He also advocated the establishment of a national geoscience research centre on the Plateau and stronger collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate resource exploration and development.
The professor said the project also built human capacity through the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students, publication of three papers in high-impact journals, a book chapter and a forthcoming book, while promoting field-based learning and strengthening research culture within the university.
He disclosed that the research team also organised workshops for artisanal miners on the Plateau, recommending improved financial literacy, value addition, continuous training and reforms in licensing and export policies to enable miners maximise returns from their resources.
Speaking at the seminar, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, described the close-out event as the culmination of 15 years of collaboration between the university and PTDF through successive professorial chair programmes.
He said the partnership had strengthened indigenous research capacity and contributed significantly to geological and mineral resources research in Nigeria.
Ishaya disclosed that the university had already commenced the process of appointing a new Chair Professor to sustain the programme and consolidate on the achievements recorded under the outgoing tenure.
He, however, stressed the need to move beyond research findings to commercialization.
“As a nation, we must continue to align our research with our economic development objectives. Many valuable research projects stop at the stage of producing results because resources are not available to move them to commercialization,” he said.
The vice-chancellor urged PTDF and other stakeholders to support the next phase of the initiative through sustained investment and industry participation, noting that the economic value of the discoveries would only be realised if research outputs were translated into commercial ventures.
He also directed the Department of Geology and Mineral Sciences to preserve all research outputs, samples and materials generated during the project to support future studies and validate the findings.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, represented by the Deputy Manager, Procurement, Mr. Dikko Abba, said the fund remained committed to supporting cutting-edge research capable of addressing national development priorities.
He noted that detailed geological and geophysical studies provide critical scientific data for understanding subsurface structures, evaluating mineral resource potential and guiding exploration and investment decisions.
“The outcomes of this research have the potential to contribute meaningfully to national efforts aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast mineral and energy resources and, if properly harnessed, could be a game changer for the region and the country as a whole,” he said.
Abba explained that the PTDF Professorial Chair Endowment Programme was established to promote research, innovation and collaboration among academia, industry and government, commending Samaila, the University of Jos management and members of the research team for producing findings capable of supporting future resource evaluation and policy formulation.
He urged stakeholders to treat the conclusion of the professorial chair tenure not as an end but as the beginning of a new phase focused on industry partnerships, mentorship and commercialization of research outcomes.
