News
Kalu Says Insecurity, Inadequate Infrastructure Stalling Nigeria’s Mining Sector Growth
By Gloria Ikibah
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has said that insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of skilled labour have continued to act as bottlenecks hampering the growth of Nigeria’s mining sector.
Kalu stated this at a Public Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s Minerals and Mining Legislation, organized by House Committee on Solid Minerals, on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the nation’s vast mineral resources have remained largely untapped, and undeservedly overshadowed by our too much reliance on oil.
Kalu added that despite boasting over 40 commercially viable minerals, the mining sector contributes a mere 0.3 percent to the country’s GDP, which he said is unacceptable and urged all hands to be on deck to turn the tide.
The Deputy Speaker who made reference to a Bill he co-sponsored with the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Mineral, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi titled Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill as well as eight other mining bills, said the bills when passed into law will represent a turning point for the nation’s mineral wealth.
He further noted that governments hold many of the levers to deal with the great challenges, adding however, that businesses have the innovation, technology, and talents to deliver the needed solutions.
Kalu also opined that the governing philosophy in the mining sector in Nigeria should henceforth be approached with a private-sector-led lens, stressing that it is through this crucial partnership that the true potential of Nigeria’s mining sector can be unlocked.
He said: “This public policy dialogue is engineered to create the appropriate right of way for the necessary adjustments and policymaking creativity that is required to optimize the promising prospects of Nigeria’s mining sector. Today, I stand before you not only as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives but also as a co-sponsor of the HB.751: Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill so ably sponsored by Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi. This legislation if passed will represent a turning point for our nation’s mineral wealth.
“There are indications of a renewed vigor in our mining industry, fueled by a collective will to diversify our economy, create jobs, and unlock the immense potential that lies beneath our soil. The 2016-2025 mining industry development roadmap, aiming to increase the sector’s GDP contribution to 3% by 2025, is already showing progress. Projects like the Segilola Gold Project in Osun state governed by a private-sector-led lens are injecting millions of dollars into our economy and attracting much-needed investment.
“They are not just amendments; they are a comprehensive reform package designed to address these challenges and propel our mining sector into the future. Here’s what these bills aim to achieve: Enhanced security: By fostering collaboration between mining companies, communities, and security agencies, we can create a safer environment for investment and development. Infrastructure development: We are committed to investing in critical infrastructure like roads, railways, and power, making mine operations more efficient and cost-effective. Skilled workforce development: We are building partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders to equip Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in this sector. Streamlined regulation: The new legislation will simplify bureaucratic processes, reduce red tape, and create a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment.
I urge all stakeholders– government, businesses, communities, and civil society– to join hands and work together to make this vision a reality. Let us leverage the power of partnerships, innovation, and technology to unlock the true potential of our mineral wealth. The time for action is now”.
“To demonstrate this concisely, in the 3rd quarter of 2023, the Segilola Gold mine in Osun state, Nigeria’s first industrial-scale gold mine posted $118 million in revenue for its owners, Thor Explorations Limited after reporting $71.7 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in 2022 according to its publicly available financial statements for 2022 and 2023. Initiatives like the simplification of licensing and competitive royalty regimes attract global players like Thor Explorations, showcasing the potential for an industrial-scale mining sector. However, challenges remain. Insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor continue to act as bottlenecks. This is where the HB.751 and eight other mining-related bills currently under consideration come in.
More than 6,000 members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defectors, led by the NDC’s former Enugu State Contact and Mobilisation Coordinator, Godwin Obasi, were formally received into the PDP by the party’s state leadership in Enugu on Saturday.
The reported figure of more than 6,000 was given by the defectors’ leadership and has not been independently verified. �
Vanguard News +1
Obasi said the group comprised members drawn from all 260 electoral wards and 17 local government areas of the state.
He said they decided to leave the NDC following dissatisfaction with what he described as the party’s choice of unpopular candidates for various elective positions.
“We decided that we were going to join the PDP. It is our right and choice. So, after we congregated, we are here today to officially join the PDP.
“We are from all the 260 wards and 17 local government areas in the state, and all of us have moved into the PDP from today,” Obasi said.
Obasi had earlier been identified as the NDC’s state coordinator for contact and mobilisation in Enugu, where he was involved in building the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections. �
Blueprint Newspapers Limited +1
Receiving the defectors, the Enugu State PDP Chairman, Vitus Okechi, welcomed their decision and assured them of equal rights and full participation in the affairs of the party.
Okechi said the new members would be integrated into the party’s structure and given opportunities to participate in its activities.
Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Uche Nnaji, assured the defectors of their full integration into the party.
Nnaji used the occasion to launch fresh criticism against the Enugu State Government, alleging that the administration had failed to fulfil some of its promises to residents.
He urged residents to participate actively in what he described as efforts to change the political direction of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nnaji particularly criticised the state’s taxation policies, alleging that the government’s revenue drive was placing undue pressure on residents without corresponding benefits.
He further alleged that taxation had extended to newborn babies and deceased persons, while questioning the tangible impact of the revenue generated by the government.
On pensions and gratuities, Nnaji alleged that retirees in the state were being denied their entitlements.
“Our pensioners are not being paid. Enugu is the only place where pensions and gratuities are not being paid to our people.
“Nothing is paid to our people. Everybody is in a mess.
“Imo and Anambra pay their pensions and gratuities to date. What sin have we committed in Enugu State?” he asked.
Nnaji also claimed that the Enugu State Government had received substantially more federal funds under President Bola Tinubu than the three previous administrations combined.
He alleged that the funds received in about three years exceeded what the administrations of former governors Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi received during their combined 24 years in office.
“And President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has released so much money to all the states. What this government here has received is more than what the three previous governors, Chimaroke, Sullivan and Ugwuanyi put together.
“What they received in 24 years, this government has received in about three years. We are talking of trillions,” he said.
He also questioned the level of internally generated revenue reported by the Enugu State Government in 2025, alleging that the revenue collection had imposed additional hardship on residents.
The allegations made by Nnaji were political claims made during the defection event and were not independently verified in the reports reviewed. �
wazobiareportersng.com.ng
Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Basil Ani described the movement of the NDC members into the PDP as a boost to the party’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as political parties in Enugu intensify grassroots mobilisation and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.
Sources revealed the development on Sunday, September 20, 2026, although details surrounding his reported death were still sketchy as of press time.
There was also no immediate official statement from the family confirming the report.
Idris, popularly known as “Ibro,” served as governor of Kogi State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2003 to 2008 and again from 2008 to 2012.
He was succeeded by Captain Idris Wada in January 2012.
Born in Idah, Kogi State, in 1949, Idris had his early education in Onitsha, Anambra State, before continuing his primary education in Kano.
He later attended King’s Commercial College in Buguma, Rivers State, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja.
Before entering politics, Idris built a career as a businessman.
He founded Ibro Trading Company, with interests spanning construction, furniture manufacturing and hospitality.
He also established a furniture factory in Sokoto and the Ibro Hotel, which has been described in biographical accounts as one of the notable early three-star hotels in the former Sokoto State.
Idris emerged as the PDP candidate for the Kogi State governorship election in 2003 and defeated the incumbent governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.
He was sworn in as governor on May 29, 2003.
Although he was re-elected in 2007, the election was later nullified following a legal challenge over the exclusion of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Abubakar Audu.
The Court of Appeal upheld the decision in February 2008 and ordered a fresh election.
Idris subsequently contested the March 2008 re-run election and was returned as governor, although his victory was again challenged by Audu, who alleged electoral irregularities.
Idris completed his tenure in January 2012 and handed over to his successor, Captain Idris Wada.
Family tragedy
The former governor also attracted national attention in 2006 after three of his daughters survived the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, which claimed numerous lives.
Following the incident, Idris described the survival of his daughters as a “superlative show of mercy” from God and called for thanksgiving.
In April 2024, Idris suffered another major family loss when his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, a former member of the House of Representatives, died in Abuja shortly after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
Mohammed represented the Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. His death was confirmed by the Kogi State Government and reported by several Nigerian media organisations.
As of press time, confirmation of the reported death of the former governor from his family or an official source was still being awaited.
…says this loss to me is particularly poignant
A Board of Trustees, BoT member of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and 2027 Kogi West Senatorial candidate, Hon TeeJay Yusuf has expressed sadness over the demise of former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris.
Yusuf in a condolence message he personally signed said:
“I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Governor of Kogi State.
“For me, this loss is particularly poignant. I had the privilege of knowing Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and crossing paths with him in the course of our political and public service journey in Kogi State.
“His presence in our political space, his experience, and his years of service gave him a distinctive place in the history of our state.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Idris leaves behind a significant political legacy. He was part of the generation of leaders who helped shape Kogi State’s political evolution and contributed to the development of our democratic institutions.
“His tenure and years of engagement in public affairs will remain important chapters in the story of Kogi State. Like every leader who serves in public life, his record will continue to be remembered, discussed, and assessed against the times in which he served.
“Beyond politics and the offices he held, he was a father, elder, leader, and statesman whose life touched many people. His departure is therefore a profound loss to his family, Kogi State, and the wider community of people who knew and respected him.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, associates, and the entire people of Kogi State. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
“May Allah grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May his memory remain a blessing, and may the legacy of his service continue to endure. Ameen.
2027: Over 6,000 NDC Members Dump Party, Join PDP in Enugu
ZAMFARA 2027 AND THE CLAMOUR FOR CHANGE
Just in: Former Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris reportedly dies in UK
-
News14 hours agoSocial media abuzz as Aisha Buhari, Seyi Tinubu, Dino Melaye, others attend pre-wedding in Spain
-
News14 hours agoNicki Minaj follows Peter Obi on X after viral repost
-
News14 hours agoTikToker remanded over alleged defamation of Kano politician
-
Politics14 hours agoNDC Dissociates Itself From OK Movement PCC, Says Political Party Is Serious Business
-
News14 hours agoHow ASUU brought snake to my office – Former VC
-
Metro14 hours agoNDLEA officer drowns chasing drug suspect into Delta river