ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF MINING ENGINEERS (NSME) AND HOST, DR EBENEZER O. A. DAMISA, FNSME; AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 18TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE SOCIETY HOLDING AT NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Courtesies

We are very pleased to welcome you all to this beautiful and strategically located university, venue of our 18^th Annual General Meeting/International Conference of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers. We would like to say a special welcome to the Chief Host of the 18^th Annual General Meeting/International Conference, the Visitor to the University and the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Alh. Umaru Tanko Al Makura. We would also like to thank our Special Guest of Honour, the Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

We are very delighted to host the Conference in the Home of Solid Minerals, Nasarawa State for obvious reason – it is the home of solid minerals. The existence of our Society is largely predicated on solid minerals and therefore must necessarily come home, where ever the Society may go. As organised in our Society, Nasarawa state is in the same Zonal chapter with the Federal Capital Territory and therefore Abuja has, before now taken the shine off Nasarawa state. But let me quickly assure you all that we will be coming home regularly in the years ahead especially with the amendments to our Constitution currently under review.

At this juncture we would like to congratulate our Chief Host, the Governor of Nasarawa State Alh. Umaru Tanko Al Makura CFR for hosting this Conference and to commend him for the strong political will and commitment he has demonstrated towards the development of the mineral assets of Nasarawa State. We are also thankful to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the Hon. Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bwari Bawa for the relentless effort of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in re-positioning Nigeria as a mining destination and the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through solid minerals.

Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Sector

The theme of this year’s Conference “Harnessing Mineral Wealth for National Sustainable Development and Diversification” is no doubt in line with the Federal Government’s agenda of national sustainable development and the diversification of the economic base of the country.

We commend the Federal government for the successes achieved so far in using the solid minerals sector as a base for national sustainable development and economic diversification. Nigeria is a raw material export oriented country to earn foreign exchange. If we are talking about national sustainability, we must begin to pay greater attention to the use of our minerals for technological growth and development. Our ores after mining, must be processed and their metals extracted for use and possibly for export. How long shall we continue to export our cassiterite, galena, sphalerite etc which are processed and imported back to Nigeria as tin (Sn), lead (Pb), Zn etc. We need to strategize if we are not to be recolonised again. Take the example of tin ore (cassiterite), Nigeria used to be a major producer of tin and had a tin smelting company (Makeri Smelting Company) in Jos, Plateau state. Makeri smelting company has since closed shop and we now import all our tin metal needs. Tin will, in a short while regain its importance as the world discourages the use of plastic materials that are not degradable contributing adversely to environmental problems. We therefore invite both local and foreign investors to establish mineral processing and smelting facilities in Nigeria to take advantage of the huge market in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region. In this regard, we urge the Federal Government to ban export of unprocessed ore (metallic minerals) to promote value-addition in the country. The country should develop a deliberate policy for the development of industrial minerals for local industries as well as give the mining sector specific incentive to minimize risks in the sector.

Other areas in which the Nigerian Mining Sector can benefit from include:

1. Development of local skills by mine operators and the government to forestall foreign nationals taking over the Nigerian mining sector and MMSD not to gloss over the issue of professionalism. The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development is urged to enforce Section 73 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 to ensure professionalism by operators in the Industry and in its Departments and Agencies
2. The MMSD to liaise with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to curb exportation of minerals such as gold and gemstones without paying prescribed revenues to Government

• Federal Government to impose heavy duties on importation of minerals that are available in Nigeria and regulatory agencies in the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) strengthened with a view to capturing all revenue sources in the Sector

1. The Federal Government to exercise the political will to make the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe functional, in view of the fact that iron and steel are of utmost importance to the technological development of any nation.

AWARDS

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased and honoured to announce that the Council of the Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers has approved awards of various honours on some personalities who have distinguished themselves in the field of mining.

1. Honorary Fellowship

(i). Gov. Umaru Tanko Al Makura

In recognition and appreciation of his exemplary leadership qualities and meritorious contributions to the development of the Nigerian mineral sector

(ii). Gov. Nasir Ahmad El Rufai

For promoting entrepreneurship and in appreciation of his contribution towards the development of the mining sector

            (iii). Hon. Abubakar Bwari Bawa

For his immense contributions to the policy direction and sustainable management of Nigeria’s mining sector.

(iv). Mr. Alex Ndubuisi Nwaegbu

In recognition of his leadership qualities in the provision of exploration data for the Nigerian mining industry

(B). Special Award of Honour:

(i). Mrs Amina Ruth Dyeris Sijuade

In recognition of her role as a woman in mining and in appreciation of her contribution towards the development of the Nigerian mining sector

The investiture of these awards on them will take place later during this Ceremony.

We wish to also announce the following awards on the members of the Society who have distinguished themselves in mining education and practice.

(3). Elected into the Class of Fellows:

(i). Engr. Prof. Shehu Aliyu Yaro, MNSME

(ii).Engr. Prof. John Ade Ajayi, MNSME

(iii). Engr. Yunusa Lawal Musa, MNSME

The investiture of our members who have been elected into the Class of Fellows will take place later today at the Dinner and Awards Night. We heartily congratulate all of you being honoured today and expect your continued interest and support to our great Society in particular and the Nigerian Mining Industry in general, congratulations.

Conclusion

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Fellows of the Society, Members, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I express my deep appreciation to all who have contributed to the success of this AGM/Conference of our great Society especially the Government of Nasarawa State (Home of Solid Minerals), Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Imperial Joint Ventures (IJV) of Symbol International Mining Company, Jakura Marble, and Ashaka Cement Plant.

I also wish to thank the Chief Host, Hon Minister, the Host and all who have honoured us with their presence at this Opening Ceremony.

Long live NSME, long live Nasarawa State and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you and God bless.