By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME) has honoured the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), Engr. Simon Obadiah Nkom, with its Silver Jubilee Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the mining industry.
The award, which was announced during the NSME Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Conference held in Lokoja, Kogi State, in late October 2026, was formally presented to Nkom at the MCO conference room in Abuja.
The President of NSME, Dr Umar Hassan, presented the award on behalf of the society’s council, recognising Nkom’s exemplary leadership, support for the professional body and contributions to mining and mineral processing engineering in Nigeria.
Speaking while receiving the award, Nkom described the recognition as a special honour, noting that it represented the collective efforts of the management and staff of the MCO.
“It means a lot to me, and not just to me, but to the entire management and staff of MCO,” he said.
He stressed that successful leadership depends on teamwork and the contributions of colleagues, adding that the support of his team had made his leadership responsibilities easier and more effective.
Nkom also said he was surprised by the recognition, describing it as an honour he would cherish.
“I was not expecting this award, but it’s going to have a very special place in my heart and in my honour,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting professional organisations and contributing to society, while expressing hope that NSME would continue to grow and achieve greater milestones.
Presenting the award, Hassan said the recognition was in appreciation of Nkom’s exemplary leadership and exceptional contributions to NSME, mining and mineral processing engineering in Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the MCO Director-General’s consistent support for the society, expressing gratitude for his commitment to strengthening professional associations and advancing the mining industry.
The NSME President said the award was approved by the society’s council, adding that the presentation was an opportunity to formally appreciate Nkom’s contributions.
The recognition highlights the role of professional collaboration and leadership in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector.
