By Aniefiok Christopher
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called on relevant agencies of government to ensure mandatory geoscientific investigations before mining activities are carried out in the country.
President of the Society, Mrs Rose Ndong, made the call in Uyo during a recent news conference as part of activities marking the 261st National Council Meeting of NMGS.
Ndong maintained that such investigations would not only serve as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development but enhance environmental management.
She frowned at the rate with which illegal mining activities are carried out in the country, stressing that aside the economic loss Nigeria had suffered, the environmental degradation had been worrisome.
Ndong raised concerns over pushbacks from the people who engaged in such practices when confronted and advocated more sensitisation of the public to curb the menace.
“NMGS will continue to advocate for mandatory geoscientific investigations as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development.
“We are looking at how these minerals can be extracted safely without making it so chaotic.
“It’s not just our body, there are other bodies that are working with us as partners in sensitising people, especially women and young children that are being used in some of these areas or sites.” Ndong said.
She also added that the 61st Annual International Conference & Exhibition (AICE), Uyo 2026, would be held in March to advance geoscientific knowledge and professional practice in the country.
She said the theme of the conference would be “Optimising Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Resources Management and Infrastructure Development.”
The president said that the theme reflected the urgent need to responsibly manage Nigeria’s natural resources while building infrastructure that would be safe, durable and climate-resilient.
“The Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) is NMGS’s flagship event and one of the largest geoscience gatherings in Africa.
“The Uyo 2026 Conference is significant in several respects as it will provide a forum for knowledge exchange between academia, industry, and government.
“It will showcase emerging technologies and innovations in geosciences, strengthen Nigeria’s profile in global geoscientific discourse as well as support evidence-based policymaking in resources and infrastructure development,” Ndong said.
She commended Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom for the systematic transformation of statement geo-tourism assets to economic and scientific values in his Arise Agenda.
Ndong said that Akwa Ibom had demonstrated commendable commitment to geo-tourism and sustainable environmental development.
“A notable example is the ARISE Palm Resort, which harmoniously integrates natural landscapes, geological features, recreational and tourism infrastructure.
“In addition, the state’s waterfront developments, extensive coastline, beach sands, wetlands, and estuarine systems represent significant geo-tourism assets with both economic and scientific value.
“Akwa Ibom is also endowed with beach and construction sands, clay, laterite, gravel prospects, and other industrial minerals, groundwater and surface water resources,” she said.
She said the conference would provide an opportunity to scientifically showcase and promote the resources of the state to investors, researchers, and policy makers.
Present at the media briefing were a former President of the Society, Prof. S.A Olatunji, the South-South Vice President of the Society, Mr Ignatius Ekwere among others.
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