…as Council inducts 143 members

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele, Alake, Tuesday, commended the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, COMEG, for being instrumental to sanitizing the mining sector with technology based innovations.

Alake who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, made the commendation in a keynote address while declaring open the ’14th Induction Ceremony and Presentation of Certificates’ held in Abuja, and organised by COMEG for 143 inductees.

He said: “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 recognized 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 CAP C33 LFN 2004).

“As many of you are aware, COMEG is one of the key agencies of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development where its diligent regulatory functions has established itself as a leading institution in the Nigerian Extractive Industry. It has played a crucial role in advancing the objectives of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at transforming and repositioning the mining sector to achieve economic prosperity.

“Today’s induction ceremony underscores COMEG’s unwavering dedication to professionalism, accountability, and capacity building. To the inductees, I commend your perseverance and tenacity in reaching this important milestone. This rite of passage symbolizes your readiness to uphold the highest standards of integrity and excellence in your professional practices.

“To COMEG, I commend your efforts in introducing innovative measures to sanitize the mining sector, such as the Digital Stamp launched in March 2022. This initiative, which includes the use of unrecyclable paper stickers embedded with security features, has been instrumental in curbing unwholesome practices, and ensuring authenticity in the sector.

“These forward-thinking measures reinforce COMEG’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.”

Meanwhile , the Minister declared that the Ministry”remains a steadfast partner in supporting COMEG’s mandate. We will continue to provide the necessary resources, policy backing, and advocacy to enable the Council to thrive and fulfill its responsibilities effectively.”

However, he also charged the new inductees to uphold the standards of professionalism and ensure they add value to the activities of COMEG and the solid minerals sector by thinking on what they can do for the Council and the solid minerals sector.

“Today’s ceremony is more than an induction; it is a celebration of excellence, commitment, and the promise of a brighter future for our mining sector. To the inductees, I urge you to uphold the ideals of COMEG and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our nation”, he added.