Deeply concerned about speedy development of solid minerals producing states in Nigeria, the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Yakubu Oseni has once again in a Bill, reiterated the need to establish special agency in the areas.
The Bill entitled ‘Solid Minerals Producing Areas Development Agency’ which was first presented in the Red Chamber by Senator Yakubu Oseni on 5th May, 2021 has today scaled second reading.
Senator Oseni in a lead debate at the plenary explained that the Bill seeks to provide accelerated development of the Nigeria solid mineral sector so as to diversify the Nigerian economy and reduce the over dependence on the dwindling oil revenues.
“I make bold to say that Nigeria is richly endowed with variety of solid minerals of various categories ranging from precious stones and industrial minerals.
“The Nigeria Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative (NEITI) reported that there are approximately 40 different kinds of solid minerals and precious stones buried in Nigeria soil waiting to be exploited “, he revealed.
The lawmaker who argued that the solid mineral sector offers a viable alternative to petroleum for foreign exchange earnings, revealed that Nigeria earns a paltry of 89 million dollar per annum from the sector which is globally reputed to be close rival to petroleum industry.
Senator Oseni therefore enunciated that ‘Solid Minerals Producing Areas Development Agency’ Bill has some of its objectives, formulation of policies and guidelines for the development of the mineral producing areas, implementation of sustainable projects and programmes in the field of transportation, health, employment, fisheries, agriculture and industrialisation in the minerals producing states.
The lawmaker after due presentation of the lead debate on other merits of the Bills which borders on national economy and security, solicited the support of his colleagues for its smooth sail and his appeal was granted.
Owing to its imperativeness, Senator Oseni’s Bill on ‘Solid Minerals Producing Areas Development Agency’ therefore has joined the league of others that scaled through second reading.
