…Pledges strict oversight on the sector
Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki
The Senate Deputy Chief Whip- Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi has advocated for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through the rejuvenation of the solid minerals sector, noting that it will create multiple jobs and boost the economy.
He noted that he sponsored a bill seeking to amend the Raw Materials act, 2022 which is aimed at locally processing raw materials to at least 30% before exporting it to foreign countries .
Senator Nwebonyi in a statement signed by his Special assistant on Media and publicity, Romanus Uzor Ozioko made the call during an oversight visit of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals to Jos, the Plateau state capital to inspect the proposed Federal University of Mining and Geosciences, Jos .
According to the statement, the University of Solid minerals will be converted from the already existing Institute for Mining and Geosciences to a full-fledged university when assented to by Mr President.
It said that Senator Nwebonyi expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground at the proposed Mining University and the assurances received from the traditional rulers for the expansion of the site .
He stressed that the university will help to revive the solid minerals sector, create multiple job opportunities and enhance Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
The Senator revealed that the Senate raised the 2025 budget of the Solid Minerals Sector from N9b to N1 trillion in order to rejuvenate the sector noting that the Senate Committee will continue to strictly oversight the sector to ensure judicious utilization of the funds.
It said that the Senate Committee on Solid minerals commiserated with the governor of Plateau state, Mr Caleb Muftuwang and the traditional rulers council on the recent unprovoked killings of innocent citizens by bandits.
The Committee it said commended the Governor for his swift response to the tragedy and his giant developmental strides in the state assuring of the Senate’s collaboration in making legislations that will curb insecurity in the country.
