NASS Advocates First-Line Charge for Solid Minerals Sector

The National Assembly (NASS) and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development are pushing for the designation of first-line charge status for the ministry's budget to enhance the solid minerals sector in Nigeria. Dele Alak, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, presented a budget of N156.34 billion for 2026, aimed at strategic investments to unlock the sector's capacity, diversify the economy, create jobs, and boost Nigeria's GDP.

However, Alak expressed concerns over implementation challenges, including a zero release of N865.06 billion in capital expenditure for 2025, which hampers the ministry's ambitions despite surpassing revenue targets. Senator Ekong Sampson, chairman of the joint committee on solid minerals development, acknowledged the ministry's progress but highlighted the disconnect between appropriations and actual releases.

The committee supports the proposal for first-line charge status, emphasizing the sector's critical role in Nigeria's economic future and pledging to work on templates to ensure significant benefits for the country.