By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards developing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen emphasized the importance of this sector in building a diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy.
“As we look towards building a diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy, the development of our solid minerals sector is not just an option—it is an imperative,” he stated.
A public hearing was held on 12 bills aimed at developing the solid minerals sector. The Speaker, represented by Member of the House, Mark Oseni, highlighted the importance of public engagement in the legislative process. “This public hearing is not merely a procedural step; but a fundamental pillar of democratic process,” he said.
The Speaker emphasized that developing the solid minerals sector is crucial for economic diversification. “For decades, our economy has been heavily reliant on a single commodity,” he noted. The bills before consideration represent a strategic pivot in the national economic agenda.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gaza Gbewfi, explained that the exercise is not just a constitutional duty, but also a strategic step towards repositioning the solid minerals sector.
“The solid minerals sector holds enormous potential for national growth, job creation, revenue generation, and industrial development,” he stated.
The public hearing provides a platform for stakeholders to contribute their knowledge, perspectives, and recommendations. Gbewfi stressed that the Committee is committed to a participatory process. “The success of these legislative efforts depends on how well they reflect the realities and aspirations of all stakeholders,” he said.
The Committee aims to strengthen the legislative foundation of the sector. Gbewfi noted that outdated laws, weak institutional frameworks, and poor funding mechanisms have hindered the sector’s potential.
“This House, through the Committee on Solid Minerals Development, is determined to reverse that trend,” he stated.
The development of the solid minerals sector is critical for Nigeria’s economic growth. The Speaker emphasized that the bills collectively address key challenges and opportunities in this sector.
“These bills are a testament of the House’s commitment to building the intellectual and technical capacity required to harness the mineral wealth responsibly,” he said.
The public hearing marks a significant step towards developing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. With the commitment of the House of Representatives to a participatory process, the sector is poised for growth and development, contributing to the nation’s economic diversification and resilience.
