The National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals rejected the 2025 budget proposal submitted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, deeming it grossly inadequate for the sector’s needs.
The rejection came during a budget defense session on Friday, where the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, presented the ministry’s proposed 2025 budget.
According to the minister, the ministry had requested ₦539.7 billion for capital expenditure and ₦2 billion for overhead costs in the 2025 budget, but only received an envelope allocation of ₦9 billion for capital projects.
Lawmakers’ Reaction
Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) moved a motion for the rejection of the 2025 budget, which was seconded by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi). Senator Ekong Sampson, the committee chairman, criticized the budget allocation as insufficient to address the pressing issues in the solid minerals sector.
He said, “The estimates presented before us are grossly inadequate and will not help our economy at this critical period when we need to invest in the future, consistent with what obtains in other economies. The sector needs a radical upward review of its budget to align with the government’s diversification agenda.”
The co-chairman, Mr. Gaza Gbefwi, also supported the rejection, emphasizing the importance of inviting the Minister of Planning and Budget to address the committee. He said, “We are here to pass a budget not for the ministry but for Nigerians and the progress of this country.”
Minister’s Appeal
Dele Alake highlighted the ministry’s challenges with the 2024 budget, noting that only 18% of the capital budget was released, hindering performance. Despite the setbacks, the ministry surpassed its revenue target, generating ₦37.8 billion against a projection of ₦11 billion in 2024.
The minister appealed for increased funding, emphasizing the sector’s importance in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and harnessing green energy opportunities.
Next Steps
The committee suspended the budget defense session and called for a review of the allocation. Lawmakers insisted that without adequate funding, the ministry’s goals and the government’s diversification objectives could not be achieved.