Alake Charges Mining Engineers on Professionalism, Warns Against Quackery

 

The Federal Government has urged mining engineers and geoscientists to uphold professional standards and eliminate quackery in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, gave the charge at the 15th induction ceremony of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) held in Abuja, where 259 new members were formally inducted.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Faruk Yabo, Alake commended COMEG for its commitment to professionalism and sectoral reforms, describing the council as a critical partner in the drive to sanitise the industry and align it with global best practices.

He noted that COMEG plays a strategic role in positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination for solid minerals development in Africa, stressing that the council’s work is central to the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, the government is relying on institution-building, skills development and entrepreneurship to grow the sector, adding that COMEG’s reforms are consistent with ongoing efforts to create a transparent, technology-driven mining ecosystem.

“COMEG’s alignment with digital platforms such as the Electronic Mining Cadastral System and the Decision Support Platform will reduce processing delays, improve compliance and enhance investor confidence,” Alake said.

He further lauded the council’s initiatives in geo-entrepreneurship training and the enforcement of a robust disciplinary framework, which he said are vital to formalising artisanal mining, improving industry standards and strengthening Nigeria’s global mining reputation.

Alake disclosed that reforms in the sector led to the issuance of 867 new mining licences in 2025, with government revenue rising from N12 billion to N50 billion. He added that plans are underway to expand geophysical surveys and exploration activities in 2026.

Earlier, the Registrar of COMEG, Mr. Zachaeus Opafunso, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to innovation, youth empowerment and hands-on training, noting that these efforts are aimed at boosting economic growth and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil.