The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has applauded the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) for its efforts in sanitising the mining sector. Speaking at the 14th induction ceremony of 143 individual members and 20 corporate members in Abuja, Alake praised the council’s initiatives in strengthening professionalism and regulation within the industry.
The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, highlighted COMEG’s critical role in the management of mineral resources in Nigeria. He described the council as an indispensable agency of the ministry, driving progress and ensuring adherence to global best practices.
Alake commended COMEG’s introduction of a digital stamp system, which incorporates unrecyclable paper stickers embedded with security features. This innovation, he stated, has effectively curbed fraudulent practices and ensured the authenticity of documents, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the mining sector.
“Today’s event showcases the values of hard work, determination, and professionalism. It reflects COMEG’s unwavering commitment to recognising only qualified practitioners and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the mining sector,” Alake said. He stressed that these efforts align with the COMEG Act No. 40 of 1990 (now CAP C33 LFN 2004), which provides the framework for regulating mining professionals in Nigeria.
The minister emphasised the council’s significant contribution to achieving the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He noted that COMEG’s work has been instrumental in transforming and repositioning the mining sector, which is critical for the sustainable development of mineral resources in Nigeria.
Alake also underlined the importance of COMEG’s regulatory functions in maintaining professionalism and ethical standards within the mining and geosciences fields. He described the council as a leading institution in Nigeria’s extractive industry, playing a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation.
The minister urged practitioners in the mining sector to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, as this would further enhance the development and management of mineral resources in Nigeria. He assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for mining activities and fostering collaboration among industry players.
The event celebrated the achievements of COMEG and its contributions to building a robust framework for the mining sector in Nigeria. By prioritising professionalism and embracing innovative solutions, COMEG continues to play a key role in unlocking the potential of mineral resources in Nigeria while aligning with the government’s vision for a diversified and sustainable economy.
