Lawmakers Summon Ministers Over Inadequate Funding for Solid Minerals Sector

Lawmakers at the National Assembly have summoned some Ministers to explain the inadequate funding allocated to the Ministry of Solid Minerals in the 2025 budget, sparking concerns about the country's ability to diversify its economy.

During a joint session, the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on Solid Minerals, led by Senator Ekong Samson and Hon. Gaza Jonathan, expressed doubts about the government's dedication to economic diversification. Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake faced questioning from the committees, revealing that his ministry initially received N5 billion, which was later increased to N9 billion after negotiations with budget officials.

Alake emphasized that despite his close relationship with President Bola Tinubu, not all discussions could be made public. He defended the President's commitment to economic diversification, stating that it's a key part of his reform agenda. Committee members were surprised by the lack of adequate funding for solid minerals, a sector critical for economic diversification.

Hon. Jonathan stressed the need for a robust plan and sufficient budget to achieve meaningful diversification. "Nigeria appears unprepared for economic diversification, which requires more than just rhetoric; it needs actionable plans and adequate funding." He said.

The lawmakers summoned Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, to clarify the Federal Government's commitment to the sector.