The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has reiterated that credible and relevant geoscience data will attract more investors to the country’s mining sector.
Alake state this while declaring open the second annual international conference of Nigerian Association of Exploration Geologists (NAEG), for Geoscientists and Engineers in Abuja.
Speaking through his Special Assistant on special projects, Yemisi Ajayi, the minister who insisted that Geodata is the bedrock of mining sector stressed that the ministry is committed to getting actual updated data in the industry.
“We have numbers of investors trying to come in to the industry but all they ask for is data. We can’t achieve anything without data, because it is the bedrock of the mining industry,” the Minister noted.
The minister urged the participants to collaborate to bring out tangible results, adding that the industry depend on information and suggestions from technical experts to be foster.
“We are committed to making sure that the mining industry flourish, Which can not be done without availability of credible Geoscience data” he emphasised.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe stated that the exploration of geophysical methods to discover and harness mineral resources is critical for the sustainable development of the nation.
The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Mrs. Hauwa Panl appreciated appreciated the association for organising sure a conference for the growth and advancement of the nation.
Earlier in his welcome address the president Nigerian Association of Exploration Geologists for Geoscientists and Engineers, NAEG, Dr Akin George attributed many collapse buildings in the country to lack of neglect of Geoscientists recommendations.
“It was clear from exercise carried out that the calamities recorded from collapsed buildings in Nigeria, could have been minimised and averted completely,if Geoscientists had been engaged to carry out geotechnical investigation before the commencement of the buildings construction,” George stated
George also added that Geoscientists should ensure that their recommendations are properly followed and adhered to when involved during constructions.
He, therefore, suggested that a well equipped mining enforcement department be established in the ministry of solid minerals development for enforcement of mining rules and regulations.
“The well equipped enforcement department should be backed by the Nigerian police, EFCC, ICPC, group of qualified lawyers employed in the ministry for the purpose of operating in every government enforcement agencies of the federal government” he added.
On his part the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral, Simon Obadiah Nkom appreciated the minister for all his contributions towards the growth of the agency
In his presentation, the Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige stressed that the conference is a platform for Geoscientists and Engineers to come together, learn from each other and inspire the next generation of professionals.
“We have the responsibility to harness the power of exploration to drive innovation to inform decision making and the shape a better future for our country” he added.
Highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Association journal by the Minister of the Solid Minerals development and participants were drawn from the 36 states and the FCT.
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