The ministry had proposed a capital expenditure of ₦539.7 billion but was allocated only ₦9 billion. This allocation, Senator Sampson said, was inconsistent with the country’s need to diversify its economy and address critical issues in the solid minerals sector.
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Assembly Joint Committee on Solid Minerals has rejected the 2025 budget proposal submitted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, citing gross inadequacy.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson, announced the decision on Friday after Minister Dele Alake presented the ministry’s budget estimate. The rejection followed a motion by Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau), seconded by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), who both criticized the insufficient allocation.
The ministry had proposed a capital expenditure of ₦539.7 billion but was allocated only ₦9 billion. This allocation, Senator Sampson said, was inconsistent with the country’s need to diversify its economy and address critical issues in the solid minerals sector.
“The estimates presented before us are grossly inadequate and will not help our economy at this critical period when we have to invest in the future,” Sampson stated. He emphasized the need for a substantial increase in the budget, citing the sector’s potential to drive economic diversification and address Nigeria’s dependency on oil.
Sampson added, “The need for a review clearly contemplates the peculiarities of this sector. Bold steps must be taken in exploration, data gathering, and tackling major drawbacks.”
The committee subsequently decided to suspend further discussions on the budget until a review is undertaken.
The co-chairman, Mr. Gaza Gbefwi, representing Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency, also supported the motion, describing the allocation as “beyond imagination.” He called for the Minister of Planning and Budget to appear before the committee to address the issue.
Ministry’s Proposal and Performance
Minister Dele Alake disclosed that the ministry had proposed a total budget of ₦541.7 billion for 2025, with ₦539.7 billion for capital expenditure and ₦2 billion for overhead costs. However, he expressed disappointment over the meager ₦9 billion allocated, describing it as a significant setback to the government’s objective of diversifying the economy.
“In contrite distinction to the avowed objective of economic diversification, the envelope that the ministry received was a far cry from our proposal,” Alake said.
He also revealed that the ministry’s capital budget performance for 2024 was only 18%, largely due to insufficient budget releases, while overhead costs achieved 100% performance.
Despite these challenges, the ministry generated ₦37.8 billion in 2024, far exceeding its projected revenue of ₦11 billion. Alake called on lawmakers to address the budgetary shortfall to ensure the sector achieves its objectives.
The committee adjourned further deliberations on the ministry’s budget, pending necessary consultations and adjustments.
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