From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Government has pledged to partner with the Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and Environment (NAEGE) and to enforce stricter professional standards in construction and mining across the state.
The Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, and the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, gave the assurance, while addressing NAEGE officials led by the National President, Prof. Salome Waziri, during their courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Minerals, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, at his office in Awka.
Dr Mefor said the Soludo administration would no longer tolerate negligence by professionals and stressed that professionalism must be institutionalised.
“No professional should practise without belonging to their professional bodies. When it comes to enforcement, we need that collaboration between government and bodies like NAEGE to safeguard public infrastructure,” he said.
Mefor added that the government is prioritising durable infrastructure, deploying cement stabilisation and stone base technology to guarantee roads with a minimum lifespan of 20 years, stating that “over 800 km of roads have been awarded and more than 625 km have already been delivered in three years by the Soludo administration.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Ofoegbu, announced that all mining activities in the state have been suspended pending revalidation.
“Baseline geological studies and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are now compulsory. You may hold a licence, but you cannot use it in Anambra State without proper studies,” he said.
Prof. Ofoegbu explained that baseline geological and hydrogeological studies were conducted before every mega project in Anambra, including the new aerotropolis, and pledged to work with NAEGE on its Code of Practice and Guidelines, promising to forward it to the Governor and the Attorney General.
Earlier, Prof. Waziri said the visit was to congratulate Prof. Ofoegbu on his reappointment and to seek stronger collaboration with the state government.
The delegation presented NAEGE’s Code of Practice and Guidelines, including an award of recognition to Prof. Ofoegbu for his contributions to the profession and governance.