*Mrs Rose Ndong, NMGS President, addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State*
Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society( NMGS) has called on relevant authorities to ensure mandatory geoscientific investigations before mining activity is carried out.
NMGS President, Rose Ndong, made the call on Saturday, 24th Jan, 2026, during a press briefing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of activities marking 261st National Council Meeting of NMGS.
She noted that such mandatory geoscientific investigations would serve as foundation for sustainable infrastructure development and enhance environmental management.
The NMGS president decried the level of illegal mining activities going on across the country noting that aside from the economic loss Nigeria has suffered, the environmental degradation has left much to be worried.
She also raised concerns over push backs from citizens who engage in these harmful practices when being confronted, expressing hope that more sensitization would be created on this aspect.
Ndong noted that NMGS works with policy developers on suitable policies that the country would run with, explaining their efforts in pushing for a council that would regulate illegal practices in mining sector.
According to her, “NMGS will continue to advocate for mandatory geoscientific investigations as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development.
“We are looking at how these minerals can be extracted safely without making it so chaotic. It’s not just our body, there are other bodies that are working with us as partners in sensitizing people, especially women and young children that are being used in some of these areas or sites.”
On the forthcoming 61st Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) in Uyo, themed, “Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Resources Management and Infrastructure Development,” Ndong said there was urgent need to manage Nigeria’s natural resources responsibly while building infrastructure that is safe, durable, and climate-resilient.
She assured that the conference will place Akwa Ibom in a vantage position as a geo-economic hub within the Niger Delta region. She added that it would provide the State and Nigeria a unique platform to promote geo-tourism and investment, enhance infrastructure resilience, address climate and environmental challenges as well as strengthen national capacity in geosciences.
She said:“Let me assure the state that hosting this event is very timely and strategic as NMGS AICE 2026 reinforces the concept of geoeconomics, where geological knowledge is transformed into sustainable revenue streams, job creation and skills development and improved land-use planning and infrastructure investment.”
She added that “Akwa Ibom State has demonstrated commendable commitment to geo-tourism and sustainable environmental development. A notable example is the ArisePalm Resort which harmoniously integrates natural landscape , geological features , recreational and tourism infrastructure.
“In addition, the state’s waterfront developments, extensive coastline, beach sands, wetlands and estuarine systems represent significant geo-tourism assets with both economic and scientific value.
“Akwa Ibom is also endowed with beach and construction sands, clay, laterite , gravel prospects and other industrial minerals , groundwater and surface water resources.” She said.
She said the conference NMGS AICE Uyo 2026 “represents a convergence of science, economy, environment, it offers Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria a unique platform to promote geo-tourism and investment , enhance infrastructure resilience ,address climate and environmental challenges as well as strengthen national capacity in geosciences.”
