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 By Adaobi Nsofor

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) recently held its 60th Annual Conference and Exhibition at Chida International Hotel, Abuja.

The theme of this year's conference is: Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water, and Construction Sectors through Innovations.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Mele Kolo Kyari, noted in his keynote address that the geoscience industry is the backbone of any nation and will continue to be relevant to our country and economy. He stated that the mining and geoscience sector is not only vital to Nigeria's industrial transformation but also boosts national security.

Dr. Kyari lamented that due to the growing population and economic disparities Nigeria faces, there is a need to address the controversies surrounding the petroleum and energy sector. He stated that the expansion of renewable energy projects, particularly solar mini-grids, has improved access to electricity in rural areas, addressing energy needs while reducing reliance on diesel generators and associated costs.

According to him, investments in natural gas infrastructure have enhanced energy security by utilizing Nigeria's abundant gas reserves as a transitional fuel, noting that, in reality, 90% of our daily activities involve petroleum.

Dr. Kyari further emphasized that Nigeria's oil and gas sector is faced with fluctuating global oil prices, and this is where the role of innovation becomes paramount in transforming the sector and ensuring its resilience.

Also speaking, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr. Dele Ayanleke, stated that the Nigerian mining sector is at its peak, where embracing innovation can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. He opined that the policy is geared towards job creation in the mining sector, industrialization, and the expansion of existing industries to further enhance competitive advantage.

Engr. Ayanleke noted that, unfortunately, government investment in the mining sector is increasingly becoming a mechanism to drive the downstream policy, which is associated with corrupt practices. He is also of the opinion that for the mining sector to succeed, there is a need for collaboration that would lead to infrastructure, energy, and human capacity development.

In a goodwill message, the President of the Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Mr. Johnbosco Uche, highlighted that NAPE, being the largest professional association of petroleum geologists and related upstream disciplines in Nigeria, is committed to exposing its members to current developments in the field of oil and gas exploration and development, including technological advancements and business processes. He emphasized that their goal is reflected in both their current and growth plans, all grounded in principles of safety, affordability, and competitive performance.

Mr. Uche assured that because of the strong partnership between NAPE and NMGS, human capital development is critical, and he hoped that the conference will prepare them for a more profitable and prosperous future.

In a separate speech, the Director General of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Prof. Olusegun O. Ige, indicated that the conference, an annual event, serves as an avenue for sharing ideas and seeking a way forward. He noted that his agency provides geoscientific information that will enhance investments worthy of attracting investors into the country, thus improving the country's GDP.

Prof. Ige mentioned that the mining sector should create avenues for job creation, employment stability, and industrial growth. He further commended the efforts of the Anambra State Government in establishing the Anambra State Solid Minerals agency, headed by a geoscientist.

The conference also featured the conferment of Honorary Fellowship Awards on deserving Nigerians, including several state governors. The MD/CEO of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu, received the award on behalf of Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his outstanding performance in reforming the mining and gas sector of the state and his commitment to the overall development of Anambra State.

During the exhibition, Anambra State showcased its rich solid mineral resources, attracting people from all walks of life who came to inquire about the state's mineral resources, which include kaolin, bentonite, gravel pack, and lignite, among others.

Goodwill messages from security agencies, corporate bodies, roundtable business discussions, and group photographs formed the high points of the event.