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Kalu Says Insecurity, Inadequate Infrastructure Stalling Nigeria’s Mining Sector Growth
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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.
Imo State Governor and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Campaign Council for the Osun governorship election, Hope Uzodimma, has responded to singer David Adeleke, also known as Davido, over comments made ahead of the August 15 governorship poll in Osun State.
According to a report by Premium Times, Davido, while addressing supporters in his capacity as head of the youth campaign mobilisation team for Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleged that a politician from Imo State was planning to interfere in the Osun governorship election.
Although the singer did not mention any name, he alleged that the politician intended to use the election as a political battleground to prove a point and urged the individual to allow the people of Osun State to freely choose their preferred candidate.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Uzodimma said Davido’s appeal was misplaced and should instead be directed to the people of Osun State, who would ultimately decide the outcome of the election through their votes.
The governor maintained that, as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the APC National Campaign Council for the Osun election, he had consistently advocated a peaceful, free and credible electoral process.
Uzodimma also stated that the APC would continue to appeal to the conscience of Osun voters to support and elect the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
He further claimed that many voters in Osun were prepared to vote out Governor Ademola Adeleke over what he described as the administration’s failure to fulfil its campaign promises.
According to him, indications across the state suggested that a significant number of voters had rejected the current administration and were ready to embrace a new direction by voting for the APC in the August 15 governorship election.
Uzodimma also advised Davido to focus on preparing his uncle for life after office rather than making emotional appeals, insisting that the electorate appeared ready to support the APC candidate.
The Imo governor added that the singer should consider employing Governor Adeleke as a dancer in his music band after the election, expressing confidence that the governor could be out of political office after the governorship poll.
No fewer than five suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists has been reportedly killed in a premature explosion while assembling explosives in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter insurgency reporter, the terrorists who died in the explosion include an alleged medical officer and four improvised explosive device (IED) specialists.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at Maina Daya Village, located between Sabon Tumbu and Jubilaram, about 29 kilometres east of Monguno.
According to the sources, the explosion killed Usman Dan Fulani, described as an ISWAP medical officer, alongside two foreign Arab IED technicians and two ISWAP bomb-making experts.
The sources said the incident occurred while the terrorists were allegedly preparing improvised explosive devices for deployment, suggesting the group was planning further attacks along key military supply routes in the Sector 1 area of Operation HADIN KAI.
The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamoru Ogunlana has described the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week as a vital platform for deepening democratic governance, promoting transparency and strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the Nigerian people.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 House of Representatives Open Week in Abuja, the CNA, on behalf of the National Assembly Management, welcomed dignitaries from across the country and commended the leadership of the House for sustaining an initiative that has become a symbol of parliamentary openness and public engagement.
The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the judiciary, lawmakers, representatives of the executive arm of government, diplomats, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the media.
The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, members of the judiciary, lawmakers, representatives of the executive arm of government, diplomats, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the media.
According to the CNA, the Open Week has evolved into one of the most significant expressions of democratic participation in Nigeria, providing citizens with an opportunity to understand legislative processes and directly engage with their elected representatives.
He noted that the House of Representatives occupies a unique position within Nigeria’s democratic framework as the chamber with the broadest representation of the people, drawing members from every federal constituency across the country.
“The House serves as the closest legislative institution to the people, translating local aspirations into national policies and legislation,” he said.
Osun guber: Your uncle will soon become jobless get him one – Uzodimma mocks Davido
Five ISWAP bombs reportedly wasted as IED suddenly explodes in Borno
HoR open week will bridge gap between legislature and Nigerians-CNA
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