By Fatima Saka
As the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) prepares for its 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), the organization has identified critical challenges affecting water supply in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of AICE 2025, NMGS President Prof. Akinade Shadrach Olatunji, FNMGS, stressed that urban water supply systems in many Nigerian cities have collapsed due to unchecked construction activities, including road and housing developments, which have depleted underground water reserves.
“Whatever money you spend in the water sector is not physically seen,” Prof. Olatunji noted. “Apart from laboratory work, continuous investments are needed to maintain the water ecosystem—buying treatment chemicals, repairing pipelines, and managing infrastructure. However, due to insufficient government funding, many upper water supply systems have failed.”
He further emphasized that individuals have resorted to drilling boreholes for personal water security, a practice that is unsustainable in the long run.
“If every household drills a borehole, it will eventually deplete the groundwater system,” he warned. “One of the key discussions at the conference will focus on how resilient our cities are to these water challenges and what sustainable solutions can be implemented. Instead of relying on large, expensive waterworks, can we explore mini-waterworks or private sector-driven solutions?”
Prof. Olatunji cited examples from Lagos, where private estates have established their own water supply systems, which are managed and taxed. He stressed the need to evaluate the efficiency and cost of such models while considering local peculiarities across different states, such as Katsina and Lafia, to ensure the sustainability of urban water supply systems.
“Water is a critical resource. It may not always be profitable, but it is a social necessity,” he said. “Experts at the conference will discuss the best approaches, whether a unified strategy for the country or tailored solutions for different regions.”
Highlighting this year’s conference, Prof. Olatunji stated that the theme and sub-themes reflect the role of geosciences and mining in sustainable development across multiple sectors.
Conference Theme:
“Harnessing Geosciences and Mining for Sustainable Development”
Sub-Themes:
1. Resource Management and Value Addition in the Minerals and Mining Sector
2. Maximizing the Benefits of Nigerian Water Resources
3. Managing Emerging Realities in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector
4. Optimizing Geoscience Solutions in the Construction Sector
5. Re-aligning Geoscience and Mining Education with Global Trends
6. Identification and Commercialization of Nigeria’s Geo-Heritage and Medical Geology Resources
7. Geosciences Applications in Environmental and Geo-Hazards Monitoring and Control
8. The Role of Geosciences in Agriculture and Food Security
“The conference aims to reawaken national consciousness about the importance of geoscience and mining in economic growth and development, It will showcase practical solutions for key sectors, including energy, solid minerals, oil and gas, construction, water, and agriculture,” he said.
Key Activities and Expert Engagements
The conference will feature pre-conference panel discussions on February 17, 2025, chaired by the Chairman of AA-Holdings.
Key highlights include:
Business Sessions on Pan-African Resource Codes, facilitated by the Africa Mineral Development Centre (African Union, Ethiopia), featuring experts from Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia.
Energy Business Sessions led by top industry players.
Solid Minerals Business Sessions featuring a State Governor, the Minister of Mines, and key industry stakeholders.
Water Business Sessions focusing on urban water resilience, led by an academic from Cardiff University, alongside Nigerian state water agency heads.
The event will also includes:
Young Professionals and Women in Geoscience Sessions
A Quiz Competition for Students from Over 35 Institutions, with a Prize of ₦1 Million
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Induction of New Members
Social Events: Welcome Cocktails, Fellows’ Night, Awards Night, and a Variety Night
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At the Awards Night, NMGS will recognize distinguished professionals making significant contributions to the geosciences and mining fields in both the public and private sectors. Notable individuals will also be conferred with Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship awards.
Prof. Olatunji reiterated: “Beyond discussions, we expect actionable outcomes, modifications to old practices, adoption of new strategies, and a shift in mindset towards the vital role of geosciences and mining in Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural development.”
