By: Abdulsalam Omuya Lukeman
Tunde Muritala Arisekola is a distinguished figure in Nigeria’s mining and geosciences sector, with a career spanning over three decades. His contributions to mineral exploration, geological research and policy development have positioned him as a key player in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable mineral resource management. Through his leadership, expertise and advocacy, he has significantly influenced both national and continental geoscientific initiatives.
Born on May 1, 1962, in Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, Arisekola’s academic journey began at L.E.A. Katsina Road, Kaduna, where he completed his primary education in 1974. He proceeded to Ansar Ud Deen College, Offa, earning his West African School Certificate in 1983. His passion for geology led him to the University of Ilorin, where he obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in geology in 1987, followed by an M.Sc. in mineral exploration (geochemistry option) from the University of Ibadan in 1998.
His professional career commenced at Mobil Producing Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos, where he carried out his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1987 to 1988. In 1989, he joined the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), where he dedicated 34 years to advancing Nigeria’s geosciences sector. He rose through the ranks to become Director of the National Geosciences Research Laboratories, Kaduna, before retiring on May 1, 2022.
Following his retirement, he was recruited by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as senior advisor on geological and mineral information on May 16, 2022. He was subsequently seconded to the Africa Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), an agency under the African Union Commission (AUC), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he continues to serve.
Arisekola’s expertise spans geological research, mineral exploration and resource classification. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in numerous projects, including the limestone investigation in Somo and Onigbedu, which led to the establishment of a 300-tonne per day cement factory. His work on the airborne geophysical survey of Ogun State contributed to the discovery of the Arugudu phosphate deposit in 2005. He also spearheaded geochemical mapping projects in Osun, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo and Kogi states, enhancing Nigeria’s mineral resource database.
Beyond national contributions, Arisekola has played a pivotal role in shaping continental resource classification frameworks. He is a strong advocate for the Pan-African Resource Reporting Code (PARC), a framework aimed at harmonizing mineral resource reporting across Africa. His efforts in standardizing mineral resource assessments have enhanced transparency, attracted investment and ensured that African nations benefit equitably from their mineral wealth.
As Nigeria’s chief representative in the ratification of the statutes establishing the AMDC, Arisekola was instrumental in aligning the country’s mineral policies with the African Mining Vision (AMV). This vision seeks to maximize the developmental impact of Africa’s vast mineral resources while ensuring sustainability and equity.
His commitment to capacity building and mentorship has seen him engage in numerous training programmes, conferences and workshops. He has actively nurtured the next generation of geoscientists, ensuring the continuity of excellence in the field. As a Fellow of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (FNMGS), Arisekola has contributed to strengthening professional networks and fostering collaboration between geoscientists, engineers and industry stakeholders.
His scholarly contributions include multiple research papers presented at international conferences, such as the Biennial SGA Meeting in Dublin (2007), the International Geological Congress in Oslo (2008) and the CAG23 Meetings in Johannesburg (2011). His publications in peer-reviewed journals, including those in Elsevier’s Applied Geochemistry, have provided valuable insights into Nigeria’s geochemical mapping and mineral resource potential.
In recognition of his over 37 years contributions to the geosciences and mining sector, Tunde Arisekola was recently honoured with Distinguished Ambassador, Certificate of Recognition and NMGS/DUROTOYE/COMEG awards respectively at the 60th Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Conference, held in Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2025. This prestigious award further cements his legacy as a key figure in geological research, mineral exploration and resource classification. It is a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing Nigeria’s mineral wealth, fostering professional collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of geoscientists.
Arisekola’s impact extends beyond Nigeria. As vice-chair of the Expert Group on Resource Classification at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), he has been instrumental in shaping policies on sustainable resource extraction. He has also served as chief counterpart for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), overseeing uranium resource development projects across Africa. He was also honored with a Certificate of Recognition by African Union, (AUC).
His leadership has not gone unnoticed. He has held key positions in the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), serving as treasurer, financial secretary, vice-president and council member from 2009 to 2024. Similarly, he is registered as a professional geologist by the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) and a technical coordinator for the African Mineral Resources Classification (AMREC) Working Group under the AUC – where he was recently recognized as one of Africa’s Impactful Geologists.
Despite his professional commitments, Arisekola remains deeply rooted in his personal life. He is happily married to Alhaja Muibat Bola Arisekola, a retired school principal. Their union is blessed with three children, all of whom have pursued professional careers in geology, civil engineering and physiotherapy.
Arisekola envisions a globally competitive Nigerian mining industry that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. He continues to advocate for innovation, technological advancement and adherence to international best practices in geosciences. His unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s mineral development and geoscientific research has left an indelible mark on the sector.
As Nigeria and Africa continue to navigate the evolving landscape of mineral resource management, Arisekola’s legacy stands as a beacon of excellence, leadership and unwavering dedication to the geoscience’s community.
Abdulsalam Omuya Lukeman, editor-in-chief, The Rock Post magazine, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
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