From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives, Committee on Solid Minerals, has held a public hearing on a Bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Coal Development Commission, and 11 other bills.
The others include bills for the establishment of Lithium Development Commission and the Nigerian Mining Development Bank, as well as establishment of mining institutes.
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, while speaking at the public hearing, said developing the solid mineral sector is essential in the country’s bid to diversify her economy.
Therefore, Abbas, who was represented by Mark Oseni, noted that the public hearing offers a veritable platform for public engagements on the proposed legislations. He added that the bills are pivotal in the country’s economic trajectory, especially against the backdrop of heavy dependence on a single source.
According to him, “As we look towards building a diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy, the development of our solid minerals sector is not just an option—it is an imperative.
“These bills collectively address the key challenges and opportunities in this sector, from legal frameworks and institutional reforms to funding mechanisms and human capital development.”
The chairman of the Committee, Jonathan Gbefwi, in his remarks, stated that the public hearing was a strategic move step towards repositioning the solid minerals sector in the country.
According to him, “as we are all aware, the solid minerals sector holds enormous potential for national growth, job creation, revenue generation, and industrial development. Yet, for decades, this potential has remained underutilized due to outdated laws, weak institutional frameworks, and poor funding mechanisms. ”
The sponsor of the bill on the establishment of Nigerian Coal Development Commission, Chimaobi Atu, explained that the coal industry, which was a major source of revenue for country, prior to independence has been moribund.
Therefore, Atu, who represents Enugu North and South Federal Constituency of Enugu State, stated that the proposed legislation, if eventually passed into law, will revive the coal industry, as well as end illegal coal mining in the country.
According to him, the proposed commission, if established, will among other functions, coordinate mining, exploration, development and utilization of coal in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s coal deposit is estimated at 2.8 billion metric tons and we cannot allow it to waste or stolen. There is therefore an urgent need to revive the coal industry to enable us generate enough power for domestic and industrial use in the country.
“This would help revive the manufacturing industry and also provide employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, ” the lawmaker stated.