The Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) has called for more participation of women in the mining industry, and other sectors dominated by men.
The call was against the backdrop of a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity and more opportunities for women in industries like mining.
Dr Adebisi Osim, APWEN’s President, made the call during the 6th Nkechinyere Isigwe Annual Lecture (NIAL), held in Abuja with the theme: “Can Women Thrive in Mining? Breaking Barriers and Seizing Opportunities in the Extractive Industries.”
Osim said as the conversation on gender equality continues, the association remained committed to empowering women to break barriers and seize opportunities in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
She called for actionable solutions to support women in mining, a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“The extractive industries, while traditionally dominated by men, offer immense potential for women to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
”However, significant barriers remain, including gender stereotypes and limited access to education and training,” Osim said.
On his part, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director-General, Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, highlighted Nigeria’s vast iron ore reserves and the need for further development of the country’s iron and steel sector.
“There are over 3 billion metric tonnes of iron ore deposits across Nigeria, yet the country lags in iron and steel development.
”There is need for concerted efforts to revive Nigeria’s iron ore mining industry,” he said.
Also, the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Margaret Oguntala, who was represented by an official of the association, Kashim Ali, said no country could advance without engineering.
Oguntala, therefore, underscored the crucial role of engineers in driving national growth.
Also, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), who paid tribute to Isigwe’s contributions, said her outstanding career and advocacy for inclusivity and gender equality served as a reminder that women could thrive in all sectors, including engineering and mining.
In his remarks,the Managing Director Deeprocks Mineral Limited,Martin Kwaplong, commended APWEN for organising the 6th Nkechi Isegwe Annual Lecture.
“It is a privilege to discuss the opportunities in the mining and mineral extractive industry and whether women can thrive in this challenging yet productive sector. The answer is a resounding YES.
” Women can and should play a significant role in this industry, breaking barriers and contributing meaningfully to the mineral supply chain.
“The future of the mineral industry holds immense potential, and it is crucial that women take part, becoming self-empowered participants in this evolving field,” he said.
The event also celebrated the achievements of Engr. Nkechinyere Isigwe, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s engineering landscape.
