The Senate committees on Appropriations and Solid Minerals have affirmed the need to increase budgetary allocations to the solid minerals development ministry. This, according to them is to enable the mining sector lead the way in diversifying the nation’s economy.
Addressing the Senate committee on Solid minerals during a budget defence session on Wednesday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake told the lawmakers that a foundation has been laid towards diversification of Nigeria’s economy.
Reacting, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid minerals, Senator Ekong Samson assured the minister of the senate’s support in ensuring that solid minerals achieve its potential to become the next petroleum of the country.
On his part, Senate committee Chairman on appropriations, Senator Olamilekan Yayi corroborated the position of the solid minerals committee that budgetary allocations should be scaled up, to enable the Ministry generate at least N50bn revenue for 2024, as against the proposed N12bn.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
