Israel Umoh
The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) says it supports the process of reviewing extant laws in the mining sector to check illegal mining in the country.
President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms. Rose Ndong, who stated this on Friday at a press briefing in Uyo ahead of the 262nd council meeting of the society in Uyo, on the theme: Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure Development, said the Federal Government has begun the process.
Ndong recalled that the existing mining laws were last reviewed in 2007, noting that the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders, including NMGS, have begun identifying some gaps in the current laws with the aim of addressing them, adding that the exercise would be concluded in no distant time.
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Explaining the need to rejig the laws following emerging trends in the mining industry, the president urged state governments to comply with the law when reviewed, which, according to her, remains within the purview of Exclusive List of the Federal Government for the benefit of all.
“The Ministry of Mines is already working with stakeholders towards reviewing the current law which came into place in 2007. So from 2007 to now, the government felt the need to review it. Not only the government, some bodies like us can spot some gaps.
“We cannot encourage state governments to issue mining licences to companies. For now, the Federal Government is vested with such power, but we are expecting that it would review those laws to tackle illegal mining across Nigeria,” she said.
‘‘As a nation richly endowed with natural resources, Nigeria must adopt innovative, efficient, and sustainable approaches in managing these resources, while also building resilient infrastructure that can support long-term economic growth and environmental stability,’’ Ndong stated.
The sub-themes of the conference include maximizing benefits of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Energy and Mineral Development, Geosciences and Flood Control.
Others are Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing in Mineral Exploration and Extraction as well as Current Trends in Geoscientific Discovery and Innovation and Role of Geosciences in the Construction Industry.
According to her, the conference will open up investment opportunities in the solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure sectors and and it will stimulate the local economy through increased patronage of hotels, transportation, and other services.
In addition, the President explained that the conference would and facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building for local professionals and students, while further positioning Akwa Ibom State as a preferred destination for major national and international events.
The President said on 23 January this year, during the 261st Council Meeting of NMGS, also hosted in Uyo, the society announced the decision to bring the prestigious international conference to Akwa Ibom State, confirming that the 262nd Council Meeting of the Society will hold on Saturday, 21 March, 2026.
She announced that participants would be exposed to Annual General Meeting and pre-conference discourse, Business Discussions -Akwa Ibom in Focus, New Tax Regime as it relates to Extractive Industry in Nigeria, among others.
Insightful technical sessions and paper presentations will hang on high-level panel and plenary discussions on critical national and global issues such as Medical Geology
Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations, Engagements for Women in NMGS, Young professionals and Students in the geosciences as well as Networking opportunities for professionals, investors, and policymakers
Other programmes are induction of new members, Spouses programmes, Awards night, Fellows night and Variety night and Field excursion to notable geosites across Akwa Ibom State, especially ARISE Palm Resort, The Ikot Ebom Itam Clay Deposits and Ibeno Beach and Waterfronts.
‘‘A major highlight of this year’s conference is the carefully curated field excursion to these key geo-sites within the state. These sites have been deliberately selected to demonstrate the strong linkage between geo-tourism and geoeconomics.
‘‘The ARISE Palm Resort represents a model of environmentally conscious tourism development. It showcases how natural landscape can be transformed into economic assets, promoting recreation, hospitality and sustainable land use.
‘‘Ikot Ebom Itam Clay Deposit is of significant industrial importance with applications in ceramics, construction and manufacturing. It highlights the vast potential for local resource-based industries and value addition within the state.
‘‘Ibeno beach sand and waterfronts, rich in strategic minerals such as zircon, rutile and ilmenite, present immense opportunities for mineral exploration, industrial development and export potential. At the same time, the beach remains a prime tourism destination, demonstrating how mineral resources and tourism can coexist.
‘‘These excursion sites collectively illustrate integration of tourism and natural resources, economic value of geologic resources in job creation and industrial growth as well as flood and erosion control and environmental sustainability in line with the theme of this year’s Conference,’’ Ndong listed.
The conference will attract Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, as our Chief Host, Honourable Ministers, top government officials, captains of industry in the oil, gas, and mining sectors, renowned academics, researchers, and geoscience professionals, as well as international delegates and development partners.
The 61st Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) billed for Akwa Ibom is expected to open up investment opportunities in the solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
Tagged “Uyo 2026,” the six-day conference is scheduled to hold from 22-27 March, 2026 at Ceedapeg Hotels and Suites, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by 9 a.m. daily.
