The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has commended the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) for the introduction of measures to sanitize the mining sector.
He gave the commendation on Tuesday during the COMEG 14th induction ceremony 143 members and 20 corporate members in Abuja.
The minister singled out the recently introduced, Digital Stamp, which includes the use of unrecyclable paper stickers embedded with security features.
He noted that the innovation has been instrumental in curbing unwholesome practices and ensuring authenticity in the sector.
Describing COMEG as one of the key agencies of the Ministry, Alake who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, acknowledged the council’s diligent regulatory functions, which he said has established it as a leading institution in the Nigerian extractive industry.
The Minister noted that the crucial role of the council is advancing the objectives of the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at transforming and repositioning the mining sector to achieve economic prosperity.
According to Alake, “Today’s event is a testament to the enduring values of hard work, determination and professionalism. It reflects COMEG’s commitment to ensuring that only qualified practitioners are recognised and empowered to contribute to the growth of our nation’s mining sector in line with the provisions of the COMEG Act No. 40 of 1990 (now CAPC33 LFN 2004).”
Assuring the council of his ministry’s resolve to support COMEG’s mandate, the Minister said: “We will continue to provide the necessary resources, policy backing, and advocacy to enable the council to thrive and fulfill its responsibilities effectively.”
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary advised COMEG to put in place measures that will ensure that mining companies licensed for exploration in the country engage licensed members of the Council before embarking on any mining activities.
“I would like to enjoin the Council to guide the profession. Every mining company must have a registered COMEG person on board. Should the Council notice any company not in compliance with this condition, should inform the ministry as the regulatory body. This will help ensure that quacks are flushed out of the industry,” Ogbe advised the Council.
She also urged new inductees to commit to the tenets of the Council and ensure prompt payment of their annual dues.
Earlier the Registrar of the Council, Professor Zacheus Opafunso said COMEG is committed to ensuring professionalism by ensuring proper human development of members in line with the extant laws establishing it.
Opafunso said that the Council in the New Year will embark on mining site inspection to ascertain the level of compliance with laws guiding the industry.
He later administered oaths on the 143 newly inductees.