Abuja: The Federal Government has called upon the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) to maintain professional standards in order to eliminate quackery in the mining and geoscientist industry. This appeal was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the 15th induction ceremony of new COMEG members in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, over 259 Engineers and Geoscientists were inducted into the council. Dr. Alake, represented by Mr. Faruk Yabo, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, applauded the council for its dedication to professionalism and sector reforms, emphasizing their importance in combating quackery. He highlighted COMEG’s role as crucial in positioning Nigeria’s solid minerals to be a competitive force on the African continent.
Dr. Alake congratulated the newly inducted professionals, underscoring that competence and integrity are vital for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources. He emphasized that the ministry views COMEG as not just a regulator but a key partner in diversifying the economy through the solid minerals sector as part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda.
He outlined the ministry’s seven-point agenda for the mining sector, which prioritizes building strong institutions, enhancing skills, and fostering entrepreneurship with COMEG playing a vital role. The council’s reforms align with the Federal Government’s digital transformation initiative to create a transparent and fully digital mining ecosystem.
The Minister acknowledged COMEG’s introduction of mandatory geo-entrepreneurship training for its members and stressed the importance of professionals understanding mineral value addition within global supply chains. He also noted that with stronger laws and enforcement, COMEG’s revised disciplinary framework would ensure zero tolerance for illegal mining and professional misconduct.
The Minister highlighted COMEG’s role in formalizing Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, organizing miners into cooperatives, improving standards, and linking them to the formal economy. He added that the global recognition of Nigeria’s mining and sciences qualifications would be enhanced through COMEG’s curriculum and quality assurance reforms.
Dr. Alake mentioned that these reforms are already producing results, as evidenced by the increase in mining licenses and revenue generation. He also announced plans for expanded nationwide geophysical surveys and exploration activities in 2026.
In his remarks, COMEG’s Registrar, Prof. Zachaeus Opafunso, assured the minister of the council’s commitment to continuous innovation aimed at repositioning the sector. He highlighted COMEG’s initiative to empower youths through training, supporting President Tinubu’s economic goals, and reducing unemployment.
Prof. Opafunso encouraged inductees to seek mentorship for successful business establishment. Ms. Rose Ndong, President of the Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), also urged inductees to continuously develop their skills, embrace innovation, and uphold the profession’s credibility.