MCO Boss Wins NSME Accolade For Industry Leadership

The Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME) has honoured the director-general of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Simon Obadiah Nkom, who received the Silver Jubilee Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s mining industry.

The award, according to the MCO, recognises Nkom’s exemplary leadership, support for professional organisations and contributions to mining and mineral processing engineering.

The NSME president, Dr Umar Hassan, formally presented the award to Nkom at the MCO Conference Room in Abuja, following its earlier announcement at the society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Conference held in Lokoja, Kogi State, in late October 2026.

Henry David, head of Information and Public Relations at the MCO, disclosed this in a statement.

During the presentation, Hassan said the award was approved by the NSME Council in recognition of Nkom’s exceptional contributions to the society and the mining engineering profession.

He also commended the MCO boss for his consistent support for the professional body’s activities and growth.

“We are giving you the award in recognition of your exemplary leadership and exceptional contribution to NSME, mining and mineral processing engineering in Nigeria,” Hassan said.

He expressed the society’s appreciation for Nkom’s commitment to supporting professional organisations, particularly the NSME.

Responding, Nkom described the recognition as unexpected but significant, saying it was an honour not only for him but also for the management and staff of the MCO.

“It means a lot to me, and not just to me, but to the entire management and staff of MCO,” he said.

He attributed his leadership achievements to his colleagues’ cooperation and support, stressing that effective leadership depended on collective responsibility.

“Leadership is not by one person. Once you no longer have co-leadership, you are not leading anyone. And in view of that, it is the support from my colleagues that makes life and leadership much easier and successful for me,” he said.

Nkom thanked the NSME for the recognition, pledging that the MCO would sustain its support for the society and contribute to the growth of the mining engineering profession.

He described the award as one he would cherish, expressing optimism that the NSME would continue to expand its influence and professional contributions.

“This is something that I cherish and appreciate. With this recognition, we will continue to give back to society as much as possible. I pray that NSME will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.