In a recent interview with Voice of Nigeria, Professor Zacchaeus Opafunso, CEO of
the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers & Geoscientists (COMEG), expressed
deep concerns about the widespread disregard for mining regulations by foreign
miners and explorers in Nigeria. Prof. Opafunso emphasised that COMEG is
committed to fulfilling its mandate of regulating Nigeria’s mining industry and
ensuring compliance with the law.
“Nigeria’s mining sector has vast potential, with an estimated value of $750 billion in
solid minerals, including significant deposits of coal, gold, lead-zinc, limestone, and
lithium,” Prof. Opafunso stated. He further explained, “COMEG is responsible for
regulating and controlling the practices of professionals in the fields of geology,
geophysics, geochemistry, mining engineering, petroleum engineering, and
metallurgy.”
Providing a historical context, Prof. Opafunso noted, “The Council was established in
1990 by decree number 40 under the military regime and was later reformed in 2004
to be an act of parliament. Our principal mission is to monitor and regulate the work
of professionals in Nigeria’s extractive industry, which includes oil and gas, solid
minerals, water resources, and agriculture.”
One of the major issues highlighted by Prof. Opafunso was the prevalence of
unqualified individuals operating within the sector. “There is a lot of quackery in the
system. We are one of the agencies empowered by the government to ensure that
only properly trained professionals from universities and polytechnics are allowed to
work in Nigeria’s extractive industry, adopting best international practices.”
He stressed the importance of COMEG’s role in accrediting educational institutions
and monitoring the performance of professionals. “Section 73 of the Nigerian
Minerals and Mining Act 2007 empowers the Honourable Minister to ensure that no
mining operations take place without employing a registered mining engineer or
geologist. Section 139 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulation 2011 defines
who these professionals should be.”
Prof. Opafunso highlighted ongoing efforts to enforce these regulations. “Earlier this
year, we presented our recommendations to the Minister, urging the enforcement of
these laws. We are now in the process of ensuring that every company employs a
qualified mining engineer or geologist or geophysicist. We have identified institutions
run by foreigners that refuse COMEG accreditation, contrary to the law.”
He also mentioned collaborative efforts with other agencies and universities to
optimise the Nigerian extractive industry. “We are working closely with our members
and various professional groups to ensure compliance and raise awareness about
the importance of adhering to regulations.”
In conclusion, Prof. Opafunso underscored the critical role of environmental
management in the mining sector. “Mining is a high-risk venture with significant
environmental implications. Proper environmental management is essential to avoid degradation. We are committed to educating our members and enforcing regulations
to ensure sustainable practices.”
Prof. Opafunso’s statements reflect a strong commitment to upholding Nigeria’s
mining laws and regulations, emphasising the need for qualified professionals,
proper environmental management, and strict enforcement to harness the sector’s
vast potential.
