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The National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals has summoned Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu, and Budget Office Director-General Tanimu Yakubu to explain the insufficient budgetary allocation to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The decision was announced by the committee’s chairman, Ekong Samson, during the budget defence session held on Monday, where Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake appeared to discuss his ministry’s 2025 budget allocation.
Minister Alake revealed that the initial allocation for the ministry was set at ₦5 billion, prompting him to lobby for an increase. He engaged the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Budget Office Director-General to advocate for more funds.
“In fact, the initial envelope we received was ₦5 billion. I immediately reached out to the relevant officials, including the Budget Minister and Director-General, in the presence of the president. Following discussions, the allocation was increased to ₦9 billion,” Alake explained.
Despite the marginal increase, his further efforts to secure additional funding yielded no results. He recounted multiple engagements with budgetary authorities but noted that, despite positive responses, he lacked the authority to independently adjust budget figures.
Addressing questions about his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and the insufficient budget, Alake clarified that he could not disclose private discussions with the president but emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to economic diversification.
“The president is fully aware of the challenges facing the solid minerals sector. His Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes diversification, and solid minerals are a cornerstone of this vision,” Alake said.
He assured lawmakers that the president’s administration remains committed to growing the solid minerals industry, despite the current funding constraints.
Members of the committee expressed disappointment at the inadequate allocation, arguing that the government’s commitment to economic diversification was not reflected in its funding decisions.
Chairman Ekong Samson highlighted the importance of substantial investment in solid minerals, noting its potential to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, as it does in other nations.
“We cannot achieve diversification without strategic investments in the solid minerals sector,” Samson said.
Ministers and Budget Office Summoned
The committee directed the finance and budget ministers, along with the Budget Office Director-General, to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the limited allocation.
“They must provide clear insights into their plans for adequately funding the solid minerals ministry,” Samson said.
The committee suspended the budget defence session, rescheduling it for Tuesday to allow the summoned officials to provide further clarifications.
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