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.