March 20, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s drive toward sustainable resource management and resilient infrastructure development comes into focus as the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) hosts its 61st Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The conference, tagged “Uyo 2026”, is scheduled to be held from March 22 to 27 at Ceedapeg Hotels and Suites, with participants drawn from the mining, oil, gas and geosciences sectors.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the NMGS President, Rose Ndong, said the event is designed to address pressing national concerns around resource optimisation and infrastructure resilience.
She said the theme of the conference, “Optimising Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Natural Resource Management and Infrastructure Development”, reflects Nigeria’s need to align economic growth with environmental sustainability.
According to her, the country must adopt more innovative and efficient strategies in managing its natural resources while developing infrastructure that can withstand environmental and economic challenges.
The conference is expected to attract key stakeholders, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who will serve as the Chief Host, as well as ministers, industry operators, academics and international delegates.
Ndong also disclosed that the Society’s 262nd Council Meeting will be held on March 21 as part of pre-conference activities, in line with decisions reached at its previous meeting in January.
She said activities lined up for the conference include technical sessions, exhibitions and policy discussions focusing on mineral exploration, flood control and geospatial technologies.
Other highlights, according to her, include panel discussions on medical geology and Nigeria’s extractive industry tax framework, along with networking opportunities, youth and women-focused programmes, and induction of new members.
Participants are also expected to embark on field excursions to selected geo-sites in Akwa Ibom State, including the ARISE Palm Resort, Ikot Ebom Itam clay deposits and the Ibeno Beach waterfront.
Ndong said the excursions are intended to demonstrate the link between geotourism and mineral resource development, as well as the economic value of natural resources.
She added that hosting the conference would boost economic activities in the state and enhance its attractiveness for investment in solid minerals, energy and infrastructure.
The NMGS President commended the Akwa Ibom State Government and the local organising committee for their support, noting that the event has received unprecedented publicity across major cities, including Abuja.
She reiterated the Society’s commitment to promoting geoscience as a tool for national development, expressing confidence that the conference would yield meaningful outcomes for the country.
