Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector: A Call for Reform and Fairness
The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has expressed apprehension about the unequal distribution of benefits from Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. He noted that foreigners are profiting more from the sector compared to indigenous Nigerians, who receive minimal compensation.
During a public policy dialogue on Nigeria’s minerals and mining legislation, Governor Sule stressed the urgent need for reform in the solid mineral sector to ensure that the sector benefits the citizens of Nigeria. The dialogue, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, also featured the Chairman of the House Committee Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, who presented the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill. This bill includes a provision for five per cent of the total revenue from all minerals mined to be allocated to the host communities (Hostcom). It also seeks to establish the Mines Inspection and Environmental Agency to enhance oversight of mining activities and facilitate collaboration between federal and state governments.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed his support for the legislation, recognizing the untapped potential of Nigeria’s vast mineral resources. He acknowledged the challenges of insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled labour that have hindered the development of the solid minerals sector. However, he expressed optimism that the proposed amendment bill and other mining-related legislation currently under consideration would address these challenges.
In conclusion, the dialogue highlighted the critical importance of reform in Nigeria’s solid mineral sector to ensure equitable benefits for the country’s citizens. The proposed amendments to the mining legislation, if enacted, have the potential to reshape the future of the nation’s mineral wealth and drive sustainable economic growth. It is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in enacting policies that promote fairness and transparency in the solid mineral sector, benefiting the Nigerian people and safeguarding the country’s resources for future generations.
