Cracking Down on Quackery in the Nigerian Extractive Industry – Efforts by the Federal Government
The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently affirmed its dedication to upholding high professional standards within the Nigerian Extractive Industry. The government aims to accomplish this by taking decisive action to stamp out quackery in what is considered to be a vital source of the country’s wealth.
Dr Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made these remarks at the 13th Induction ceremony and accreditation where he stated, “The solid mineral resources of Nigeria are a significant source of wealth for the nation. It is therefore imperative that only qualified professionals are granted operating licenses within the mining industry.”
In a move to enforce this, Dr. Alake announced that, starting from this moment, Mining Engineers and Geoscientists would only be officially recognized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals if they have obtained COMEG registration. Furthermore, any professional reports submitted to the ministry are required to bear the stamp of COMEG registration. The Minister emphasized that failure to comply with these requirements would result in being classified as a quack.
Emphatically declaring the end of the era where Nigeria’s economic development relied solely on oil, the Minister underscored the current administration’s commitment to economic diversification. This commitment entails harnessing the country’s natural mineral resources for sustainable growth.
Addressing the inductees, Dr. Alake challenged them to continuously seek opportunities for learning, reminding them of their crucial role in restoring the nation’s former glory. The induction ceremony was well received by the Registrar, Council Of Nigerian Mining Engineers And Geoscientists, Prof. Zachaeus Opafunso, who highlighted the rigorous written and oral exams that members had successfully passed, including online examinations for those in the Diaspora.
In a goodwill message, Prof. A. S. Olatunji fnmgs, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), commended the efforts to enhance professionalism within the sector for national growth. He noted that the induction program marked a significant milestone since the establishment of the Registrar.
The event also saw the symbolic presentation of the COMEG Accreditation Certificate to Prof. Noah Yusuf, the Vice Chancellor of Al-hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, by Dr. Oladele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
This recent development underscores the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that only qualified and certified professionals operate within the Nigerian Extractive Industry. The concerted efforts to crackdown on quackery in the sector will not only enhance its credibility but also pave the way for sustainable economic growth and development.
