The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, along with the governments of Enugu and Ebonyi States, is calling for enhanced cooperation between federal and state authorities to fully harness Nigeria’s rich solid minerals resources for economic growth.
During oversight visits to mining sites in Enugu and Ebonyi, Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee, emphasized the need for policies that will deepen the development of Nigeria’s mining sector. He highlighted the federal government’s renewed commitment to diversifying the economy beyond oil, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has set aside ₦1 trillion for the sector in the 2025 budget—an unprecedented move aimed at positioning solid minerals as a key driver of economic transformation and green job creation.
Senator Sampson stated, “Our goal is to build actionable recommendations that will help shape robust policies for the mining industry. Collaboration across federal, state, and local levels is essential to unlock the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.”
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described solid minerals as one of the most promising avenues for Nigeria’s economic diversification. He stressed the importance of updating and expanding data on mineral deposits to attract serious investors and ensure sustainable exploitation. Mbah said, “We sit on enormous wealth that remains largely untapped. A clear framework involving states more deeply in mining activities will unlock significant value for both national and sub-national economies.”
In Ebonyi, Deputy Governor Princess Patricia Obila, speaking on behalf of Governor Francis Nwifuru, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with the federal government and the Senate to ensure responsible mining that benefits all Nigerians. She noted that developing the sector would not only boost Ebonyi’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but also enhance royalty payments and national prosperity.
The Senate Committee’s team, which included key members like Senator Kabeeb Mustapha, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Anthony Ani, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Senator Diket Plang, and Senator Okechukwu Ezea, visited several mining sites to assess ongoing activities and engage local stakeholders.
This collaborative effort aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development and job creation.
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