Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Storage Potentials of Basaltic Rocks of Nigeria – A Review

Abstract

Basaltic rocks in Nigeria offer a promising opportunity for geological CO₂ storage through mineral carbonation, a process that converts CO₂ into stable carbonate minerals. This study assesses the potential of Nigerian basaltic formations for CO₂ storage, focusing on their geological, geochemical, and hydrogeological characteristics. We estimate the CO₂ storage capacity of major basaltic provinces, including the Jos and Biu Plateaux, and discuss the technical, economic, and policy challenges associated with deploying basalt-hosted CO₂ storage in Nigeria. Our findings suggest that Nigerian basalts possess suitable mineralogy and geochemical properties for effective CO₂ mineralization, with estimated storage capacities in the gigatonne range. However, further research and pilot projects are needed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of large-scale CO₂ storage in these formations. This study contributes to the growing body of research on basalt-hosted CO₂ storage and highlights the potential for Nigeria to utilize its basaltic resources as a key component of its climate mitigation strategy.