By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has underscored the pivotal role of professionalism, accountability and innovation in unlocking Nigeria’s mining potential.
The Minister stated this at 14th Induction Ceremony of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), held on December 17, 2024 at Rockview Hotels Abuja.
Describing the event as a “celebration of excellence, commitment, and a brighter future,” the Minister, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, emphasised the pivotal role of COMEG in repositioning the mining sector. He lauded the 143 inductees for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging the critical role they will play in transforming the industry.
“Today’s ceremony is more than an induction; it is a rite of passage for trailblazers who have proven their mettle.As professionals, you are now ambassadors of integrity and accountability, bearing the torch of excellence that COMEG has upheld for over three decades.”the Minister said.
Dr Alake in a statement, highlighted COMEG’s instrumental efforts in reshaping the Nigerian mining sector through robust regulations and groundbreaking initiatives, such as the Digital Stamp launched in 2022. This innovation, featuring security-embedded unrecyclable paper stickers, has significantly curbed fraudulent practices and ensured authenticity across the industry.
The Minister reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering support for COMEG, recognising it as a vital partner in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Under Mr. President’s visionary leadership, we are committed to empowering COMEG with the resources and policy framework needed to drive sustainable growth in the sector,” he said.
Addressing the inductees, he urged them to see their new status not merely as a privilege but as a call to duty. “Do not ask what COMEG can do for you; rather, consider what you can contribute to elevate this noble institution. Your dedication will help strengthen COMEG’s capacity to regulate and promote excellence in mining, geosciences, and metallurgical engineering,” the Minister advised.
The ceremony also celebrated the collective efforts of COMEG in advancing competence and capacity building. The Minister commended the Council’s resilience and forward-thinking measures, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s mining sector lies in fostering innovation and collaboration.
Dr Alake called on stakeholders to join hands in transforming the sector into a driver of economic prosperity, aligning with global best practices and sustainable development goals.
He charged the inductees to uphold the ideals of COMEG and contribute meaningfully to national development. “Together, we can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s mining sector, ensuring that it becomes a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for generations to come,” he concluded.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, commended the inductees for their remarkable achievement and expressed her optimism about their positive contributions to the growth and professionalism of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Dr. Ogbe also lauded the relentless efforts of the COMEG management in aligning their activities with the organization’s mandate of ensuring professionalism, regulating standards, and promoting best practices in the mining and geoscience professions.
While addressing the inductees, she urged all members of the organisation to prioritize the payment of their dues, stressing that this collective responsibility was vital for strengthening COMEG and enabling it to fulfill its mandate effectively. By ensuring financial stability and accountability, members play a critical role in sustaining the operations and impact of the council.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the importance of having competent professionals in the country’s solid minerals sector. She recalled the Ministry’s recent Roadshow in South Africa, which was aimed at fostering partnerships and identifying pathways to enhance Nigeria’s professional competencies.
In her remarks, Dr. Ogbe underscored the necessity of safeguarding the geology profession. She called on all stakeholders to be vigilant and report any illegitimate practices within the industry. “By exposing and addressing quackery, the integrity and credibility of the profession would be preserved. This would not only ensure the safety of industry practices, but also bolster public trust and investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”Ogbe noted.
The Registrar/CEO of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), Prof. Zacheus Opafunso, in his contribution, stressed the importance of meeting the legal requirements of Act 40, which ensures that only professionally qualified individuals can practice in the field.
Prof. Opafunso outlined the rigorous process that led to their induction: application submission, expert reviews, induction by registered professionals, and successful completion of oral and CBT exams held in centers across Nigeria, including Akure, Jos, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja.
This achievement, he said, marks the beginning of their commitment to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the field, contributing to the continued growth of COMEG in Nigeria. He urged them to embrace continuous learning, integrity, and excellence in their professional journeys.
Highlight of the event include, paper presentation on “Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC), induction/Oath taking by inductees comprising Geoscientists, Mining Engineers, Metallurgical Engineers and Petroleum Engineers
