Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for a complete policy shift in Nigeria’s mining sector to allow States to take charge of the solid minerals within their soil.
He canvassed the position on Tuesday while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, led by its chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson, during a courtesy visit to the Lion Building, Government House, Enugu.
The members of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals were in Enugu as part of their nationwide oversight mission to meet with key players in the mining sector, share experiences from across States, and gather firsthand information to guide policy decisions.
For a State like Enugu, known for its coal mining history and home to a range of valuable solid mineral resources, the visit was timely and significant.
Governor Mbah didn’t hold back as he welcomed the lawmakers, pointing out that despite being naturally endowed with a blend of solid minerals, Enugu, like many other States, is unable to unlock this wealth due to certain legislative barriers.
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The Committee said it is determined to make recommendations that reflect the realities on the ground, especially in States like Enugu, where the potential is vast, but largely untapped
The visit comes as the National Assembly continues its review of the Mining Act, with lawmakers pushing for reforms that would give States more say and greater involvement in managing their mineral wealth.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
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