Bill seeks creation of Solid Minerals Development Commission
A senator has called for the establishment of a Solid Minerals Development Commission, arguing that a dedicated agency is needed to accelerate the development of Nigeria’s mining sector, promote value addition, and support the country’s economic diversification efforts.
The proposal, presented before the National Assembly, comes amid renewed government efforts to position the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to national revenue and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil. The lawmaker said the commission would provide a coordinated framework for developing mineral-producing areas, improving infrastructure, attracting investment, and addressing environmental and socio-economic challenges associated with mining activities.
According to the senator, Nigeria is endowed with significant deposits of solid minerals, including lithium, gold, limestone, tin, coal and iron ore, but the sector has yet to reach its full potential due to inadequate infrastructure, illegal mining, weak regulation and limited investment.
The proposed commission, if established, is expected to complement ongoing reforms in the mining industry by promoting sustainable exploration, supporting host communities, enhancing environmental protection and creating employment opportunities.
The proposal aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to transform the solid minerals sector into a key pillar of economic growth. The administration has repeatedly emphasised the need to encourage local processing of minerals, curb illegal mining and attract domestic and foreign investment into the industry.
In recent months, the government has intensified efforts to unlock the sector’s potential. Vice President Kashim Shettima recently commissioned what was described as Nigeria’s largest lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State, while President Bola Tinubu has urged African countries to strengthen cooperation in mineral development and prioritise value addition over the export of raw materials.
Industry stakeholders have also welcomed ongoing legislative and policy initiatives aimed at improving governance in the extractive sector. The House of Representatives has been considering reforms to tackle illegal mining and strengthen oversight, amid concerns that illicit mineral exploitation continues to deprive the country of substantial revenue and fuel insecurity in mining communities.
If approved by the National Assembly and assented to by the President, the proposed Solid Minerals Development Commission would become another institutional mechanism designed to support the sustainable development of Nigeria’s mineral resources and contribute to the country’s long-term economic diversification strategy.
