The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade has asserted the importance and relevance of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) to the extractive sector of the Nation.
Mrs. 'Bunmi Ojo, Head, (Publicity & Communications) said Dr. Akinlade made this declaration when she paid an official visit to the COMEG Head office on Tuesday.
Akinlade stated that she has come to realize that COMEG like other agencies was grappling with some challenges which includes, lack of permanent structure required as the Council's head - office, low publicity profile, accreditation and program development issues and of course, funding, all of which must be promptly addressed and resolved to enable the Council deliver on its mandate for the overall good of the sector and the populace.
According to the Permanent Secretary, these challenges are not insurmountable.
She therefore assured that administrative measures and innovative approaches will go a long way to address the issues.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged and appreciated the Management of COMEG led by the Registrar for demonstrating great commitment in the face of many issues confronting the Council by continuously devising options to navigate those challenges.
She urged them to continue to be steadfast and more dedicated to their job, so that COMEG can be properly stabilized.
Earlier in his remark, the Registrar/CEO, COMEG Professor Zacheus O. Opafunso, had appreciated the Permanent Secretary for the visit and her concern for the organization.
Prof. Opafunso further reiterated the challenges of COMEG which had been on discussion with the mother Ministry MMSD before now and formed part of the reason for the visit of the Permanent Secretary today. He opined that with the visit of the Permanent Secretary, the major challenges of COMEG would finally be resolved.
The Permanent Secretary who was accompanied by the Director (Artisanal and Small Scale Mining), Mr. Patrick Ojeka, Ag.Director (Special Duties) Mr.Yisau Adepoju and some of her aides took a tour of the premises.
