The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has described the solid minerals sector as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification, insisting that developing the sector is an imperative, not an option.
Speaking at a public hearing on Thursday on 12 bills aimed at reforming and strengthening the solid minerals industry, Tajudeen, represented by Mark Oseni (APC, Taraba) said the hearing was not a mere formality but a vital part of the democratic process.
“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. These bills collectively address the sector’s key challenges and opportunities, from legal frameworks and institutional reforms to funding mechanisms and human capital development,” he said.
Tajudeen noted that the proposed bills mark a strategic shift in Nigeria’s economic agenda and demonstrate the House’s commitment to building the intellectual and technical capacity needed to responsibly harness the country’s mineral wealth.
He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, stressing that the success of the process depends on the quality of input received.
Chairperson of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Gaza Gbewfi, said the initiative is both a constitutional responsibility and a deliberate effort to reposition the sector as a pillar of economic transformation.
He highlighted the sector’s potential for job creation, revenue generation, and industrial growth, while lamenting decades of neglect due to outdated laws, weak institutions, and underfunding.
“This House, through the Committee on Solid Minerals Development, is determined to reverse that trend by strengthening the legislative foundation of the sector,” Gbewfi said.
The 12 bills under consideration cover a wide range of reforms, including the repeal and replacement of outdated laws, establishment of mining and geosciences institutes across multiple states, creation of a Nigerian Mining Development Bank, and the establishment of commissions to regulate coal and lithium development as well as support host communities.
The public hearing brought together government agencies, industry players, civil society, community representatives, and academics to ensure the resulting legislation reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.
