The Management of the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) has collaborated with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) for the development of the country’s mining and geosciences sectors.
The agencies agreed that inter-agency collaboration is vital to the holistic development of the sector noting that it will facilitate the realisation of government’s set goals for the mining sector.
They further agreed that a front-line goal of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is the quest to reposition the mining sector for improved revenue generation toward diversifying the economy.
Prof Opafunso described NGSA as the singular public institution with the highest number of practicing geoscientists, noting that professionals at NGSA must commit to the advancement of the Mining and Geosciences profession through Continuous Professional Development with support from the NGSA.
The Management Teams discussed areas of mutual interestOne of the areas of collaboration is registration drive. Prof Opafunso noted that all professionals in the sector must be abreast of advancement in the sector, and called on NGSA to enforce compliance with regulatory standards in the industry.
According to him, ‘the quest for effective regulation of the mining and Geosciences sector and the drive for compliance is a task of all,’ adding that NGSA can collaborate with COMEG by insisting that Mining and Geosciences professionals in its employ must register with COMEG. This, he said will trigger paradigm shift in quality of service delivery and revenue generation.
Dr Garba who conducted Prof Opafunso around the NGSA Museum where various various solid minerals are on display. He explained pertinent features of the geology of Nigeria, while Prof Opafunso listened with interest.