Nigeria Should Embrace Data-Driven Mining to Enhance Global Competitiveness
The esteemed authority on mining in Nigeria, Professor Zacchaeus Opafunso, who also holds the position of CEO of the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers & Geoscientists (COMEG), has emphasized the critical necessity for Nigeria to invest in and utilise accurate data to fully exploit its mining potential.
In a recent interview with the Voice of Nigeria, Prof. Opafunso highlighted the immense potential of Nigeria’s mining sector, which boasts an estimated value of $750 billion in solid minerals, including coal, gold, lead-zinc, limestone, and lithium.
He elucidated that COMEG plays a pivotal role in regulating and overseeing the activities of professionals in fields such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, mining engineering, petroleum engineering, and metallurgy, as the sector continues to attract investment.
Prof. Opafunso underscored, “The Council was established in 1990 by decree number 40 under the military regime and was later reformed in 2004 to become an act of parliament. Our primary mission is to monitor and regulate the activities of professionals in Nigeria’s extractive industry, which encompasses oil and gas, solid minerals, water resources, and agriculture.”
Expressing concern about the prevalence of unqualified individuals operating within the mining sector, he added, “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 permitted to work in Nigeria’s extractive industry, following best international practices.”
He emphasized the significance of COMEG’s role in accrediting educational institutions and overseeing the performance of professionals, stating, “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 outlines the qualifications of these professionals.”
Prof. Opafunso highlighted ongoing efforts to enforce these regulations, saying, “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, 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 enhance the Nigerian extractive industry, noting, “We are working closely with our members and various professional groups to ensure compliance and raise awareness about the importance of adhering to regulations.”
Opafunso stressed the vital role of environmental management in the mining sector, stating, “Mining is a high-risk venture with significant environmental implications. Proper environmental management is crucial to prevent degradation. We are dedicated to educating our members and enforcing regulations to promote sustainable practices.”
By embracing data-driven mining practices and ensuring adherence to regulations and ethical standards, Nigeria can enhance its global competitiveness in the mining sector, ultimately fostering sustainable economic growth and development.