Our Journey

The COMEG Story

Discover the rich heritage and unwavering commitment of Nigeria's premier regulatory body for mining engineers and geoscientists.

"Excellence in regulation, professionalism in practice, and dedication to Nigeria's extractive industry development."

Our Heritage and Mission

Built on a foundation of excellence and driven by a vision for Nigeria's extractive industry transformation.

The Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) emerged as a vital regulatory tool in the sub-African continent, established by Act No. 40 of 1990 (Now CAP C33, LFN 2004). This achievement stemmed from the persistent efforts of our progenitors since the 1980s, advocating for proper regulation of professionals in the extractive industries. COMEG was officially inaugurated on 12th September 2000 with the approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

COMEG's mandate aligns perfectly with the current administration's transformative policy agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which aims to reposition Nigeria as a prime global investment destination, particularly in solid minerals development. Through the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development as our supervisory ministry, COMEG's regulatory functions cover professionals and firms across multiple sectors including solid minerals, petroleum, water resources, power, steel, and environmental management.

It is noteworthy that Engr. Ezekiel Adekunle Ifaturoti, FNMGS, FNSE, FNSME, the first Nigerian to obtain a bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, served as the pioneer Chairman of COMEG Council. This historical foundation has helped shape COMEG's journey to becoming the foremost regulator in Nigeria's Extractive Industry.

Our Core Responsibilities

As prescribed in Part 1 Section 1(2) of the Act, COMEG is entrusted with the following primary responsibilities:

  • Prescribing and enforcing minimum standards of education and experience for qualified Mining Engineers, Geoscientists and related professionals
  • Establishing and enforcing the code of conduct for registered professionals
  • Maintaining a comprehensive register of qualified practitioners while periodically reviewing professional standards
  • Regulating and controlling the practice of mining engineering, geosciences and related professions in all aspects
  • Upholding discipline within the profession in accordance with the Act

COMEG was instituted to drive government policy for the regulation and development of professions associated with exploration, extraction, and refining of Nigeria's vital mineral resources, including solid minerals, water resources, and oil & gas, for the benefit of its people.

Despite facing constraints at various phases of its development, COMEG has worked tirelessly to address gaps caused by lack of professionalism in the Nigerian Extractive Industry. In recent years, Council's charismatic leadership coupled with unwavering support from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has helped redefine the narrative, placing COMEG in an unmatched position among similar regulatory bodies in Nigeria, thus Laying the Modern Foundation of COMEG's Journey to greatness.

Our Leadership

Meet the distinguished leaders guiding COMEG towards excellence and innovation.

Minister
Dr Oladele Alake

The Minister of Solid Minerals

Registrar
Prof. Zacheus O. Opafunso

Registrar/CEO

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Pioneer Chairman
Engr. Ezekiel Adekunle Ifaturoti

Pioneer Council Chairman

FNMGS, FNSE, FNSME

Our Legacy

Honoring those who shaped COMEG's journey to excellence through their visionary leadership.

No past leaders data available at the moment.

Our Mission & Vision

Guiding principles that drive our commitment to excellence and professional development.

Our Mission

To be proactive in ensuring quality manpower for the Nigerian Extractive Industries while maintaining professionalism through registration, regulation and training among others.

Our Vision

To ensure professionalism through education and regulation of practices in the Nigerian Extractive Industries.

COMEG History

Key milestones in our journey of growth, development, and excellence in professional regulation.

1990

Establishment of COMEG through Act No. 40 of 1990.

2000

Official inauguration of COMEG on 12th September 2000.

2003

The inaugural registration ceremony by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 30th January 2003.

2005

First professional registration exercise held, marking a milestone in formalizing professional standards.

2010

Launch of nationwide awareness campaigns for proper professional registration and ethics.

2015

Implementation of digital transformation for member registration and certification processes.

2018

Introduction of the first online examination system for licensing geoscientists and mining engineers.

2020

Celebration of 20 years since the inauguration of COMEG, with recognition of contributions to Nigeria's economy.

2022

Expansion of regulatory functions to include more sectors such as renewable energy and environmental management.

2024

Marking 24 years of advancing professional excellence and ethical standards in mining engineering and geosciences.