The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has urged relevant authorities to make geoscientific investigations mandatory before any mining activity is carried out in the country.
The President of the society, Ms Rose Ndong, made the call on Saturday in Uyo during a press conference held as part of activities marking the 61st National Council Meeting of the NMGS.
Ndong said such investigations would serve as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development and enhance effective environmental management.
She expressed concern over the prevalence of illegal mining in the country, noting that beyond economic losses, the environmental degradation caused by the practice was alarming.
Ndong also raised concerns over resistance from individuals involved in illegal mining when confronted and called for increased public sensitization to curb the menace.
“NMGS will continue to advocate mandatory geoscientific investigations as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development.
“We are focused on how minerals can be extracted safely without creating chaos or environmental harm.
“It is not only our body; other professional organizations are working with us to sensitize the public, especially women and young children who are often exploited at illegal mining sites,” she said.
She further announced that the 61st Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) of the society would hold in March 2026 in Uyo.
According to her, the conference is themed ‘Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Resources Management and Infrastructure Development’.
Ndong said the theme underscored the urgent need to manage Nigeria’s natural resources responsibly while developing infrastructure that is safe, durable and climate-resilient.
“The Annual International Conference and Exhibition is NMGS’s flagship event and one of the largest geoscience gatherings in Africa.
“The Uyo 2026 conference will provide a platform for knowledge exchange among academia, industry and government, showcase emerging technologies and innovations in geosciences, strengthen Nigeria’s global geoscientific profile and support evidence-based policymaking,” she said.
Ndong commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Umo Eno, for what she described as the systematic transformation of the state’s geo-tourism assets into economic and scientific resources under his ARISE Agenda.
She said the state had demonstrated strong commitment to geo-tourism and sustainable environmental development.
“A notable example is the ARISE Palm Resort, which harmoniously integrates natural landscapes, geological features, recreation and tourism infrastructure.
“In addition, the state’s waterfront developments, extensive coastline, beaches, wetlands and estuarine systems represent significant geo-tourism assets with economic and scientific value,” she said.
She added that Akwa Ibom was endowed with beach and construction sands, clay, laterite, gravel, other industrial minerals, as well as surface and groundwater resources.
Ndong said the conference would provide an opportunity to scientifically showcase the state’s resources to investors, researchers and policymakers.
