The significance of Geoscientists in the civil engineering sector was underscored by Engineer Uwem Okoko, the Managing Director of HENSEK Integrated Services. He stressed the essential nature of collaboration between civil engineers and Geoscientists in ensuring the production of high-quality constructions that adhere to the standards set by the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO).
The expression of this perspective took place during a courtesy visit from members of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), led by its President, Prof. Akinade Olatunji. The visit occurred at Engineer Uwem Okoko’s office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he highlighted the importance of subjecting all construction works to thorough inspection and necessary professional interventions by NMGS representatives in the state.
Furthermore, Engineer Uwem Okoko urged the federal and state governments in Nigeria to place confidence in indigenous construction companies. He emphasized that the significant industrial progress in Akwa Ibom State was achieved through the utilization of indigenous companies from across the country, with the sourcing of raw materials locally.
In response, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, the President of the NMGS, expressed gratitude to Engineer Uwem Okoko for acknowledging the valuable services of the society. He emphasized that the quality of road construction delivered by the company is a true testament to their appreciation of the NMGS.
Prof. Akinade also stressed the need for adequate funding of mines offices, equipped with qualified staff and logistics to address the issue of illegal mining in the country. The NMGS President pointed out that illegal mining activities have detrimental effects on the economy and cause environmental degradation, underlining that these activities should not be allowed to persist.
During the visit, Prof. Akinade disclosed that Akwa Ibom State possesses the world’s best silicon, highlighting the importance of proper funding and equipping of federal mines offices with logistics vehicles to access remote areas and harness natural chemical deposits for profit-making purposes. He also stressed the significance of addressing the staffing and funding challenges faced by federal mines offices, emphasizing the need for well-equipped and well-regulated personnel to effectively monitor and curb illegal mining activities. Prof. Akinade emphasized that the government must allocate sufficient resources to the mining offices to combat illegal mining effectively.
In conclusion, the collaboration between civil engineers and Geoscientists is paramount for the successful implementation of construction projects that meet international standards. The insightful visit from the NMGS serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the funding and staffing challenges faced by federal mining offices and the necessity of curbing illegal mining activities in the country. This collaboration and the proactive measures advocated by both parties will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement and sustainability of the construction and mining sectors in Nigeria.