Dele Alake asks mining engineers to uphold standards, curb quackery

The federal government has asked the Council of Mining Engineers and Geosciences (COMEG) to maintain high professional standards to eliminate quackery in the mining and geoscience industry.

Dele Alake, the minister of solid minerals development, spoke at the 15th induction of COMEG’s new members on Friday in Abuja, where over 259 engineers and geoscientists were inducted into the council.

Alake, represented by Faruk Yabo, the ministry’s permanent secretary, commended the council for its “commitment to professionalism and sector reforms”, adding that the ministry relies heavily on its work to eliminate quackery and uphold global best practice.

The minister said the council plays a strategic role in positioning Nigeria’s solid minerals as a competitive destination in Africa.

According to Alake, the ministry views COMEG as a key partner in driving President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy through solid minerals, with a focus on institution-building, skills enhancement, and entrepreneurship.

He said the council’s reforms support the federal government’s digital transformation drive to build a transparent and fully digital mining ecosystem.

“COMEG’s alignment with these systems, such as the Electronic Mining Cadastral System and Decision Support Platform, will reduce delays, improve compliance, and boost investors’ confidence,” the minister said.

The politician lauded COMEG for initiatives such as geo-entrepreneurship training and a disciplinary framework, emphasising its crucial role in formalising artisanal mining, improving standards, and boosting Nigeria’s global mining reputation.

Alake said the reforms resulted in 867 new mining licences in 2025, revenue growth from N12 billion to N50 billion, and plans to expand geophysical surveys and exploration activities in 2026.

Zachaeus Opafunso, the COMEG registrar, reiterated the council’s commitment to innovation and empowering youths through hands-on training to boost the economy and reduce oil dependence.