Mining Law Review Will Stem Illegal Mining, Restore Revenue — NMGS

The president Nigeria Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) Mrs. Rose Ndong, has lamented over huge revenue loses to the activities of illegal mining, assuring that the ongoing review of the solid minerals’ law by the federal government would restore sanity to the sector.

She disclosed that the central government has commenced the process of reviewing extant laws to give government more control over mining activities.

She recalled that the review of mining laws spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Mining would provide and strengthen existing legal framework to check activities of illegal miners across all the States in Nigeria

Addressing a press conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital at the weekend ahead of the 262nd council meeting of the Society, Ndong, recalled that mining laws was first reviewed in 2007, and urged the federal government to rejig the laws because of emerging trends in the mining industry.

“We can not encourage states governments to issue mining license to companies. For now the federal government is vested with such power but we are expecting that the federal government would review those laws to tackle illegal mining across Nigeria ”

Tagged “Uyo 2026″ Ndong said the Geosciences Society’s conference billed to commence from March 22nd to 27 at CEEDAPEG hotel in Uyo, has as theme; Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure Development.”

Ndong said the conference would address emerging realities in Geosciences and mining sectors of the economy.

“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,” she noted.

Ndong disclosed sub themes of the conference to include “Maximizing Benefits of Interdisciplinary Approaches to Energy and Mineral Development geosciences and Flood Control,” and “Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing in Mineral Exploration and Extraction, Current Trends in Geoscientific Discovery and Innovation and Role of Geosciences in the Construction Industry.”

She said Akwa Ibom State governor pastor Umo Eno and other international dignitaries will grace the occasion while participants would visit Geosciences and mining sites in 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”.

Ndong listed the benefits of holding the conference in Akwa Ibom such as stimulating the State economy and opening of investments opportunities.

“It will stimulate the local economy through increased patronage of hotels, transportation, and other services.
it will also open up investment opportunities in the solid minerals, energy, and infrastructure sectors, promote the state’s rich geo tourism potential and natural endowments to a global audience,” she stressed.