Like Zamfara, Other States Should Control Their Mineral Resources, Gov. Makinde Tells FG

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for Constitution Amendment over Mineral Resources Ownership, saying the present arrangement hampers growth of Nigeria component units.

Speaking on Tuesday when he hosted the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr, Uchechukwu Ogah, who paid him a courtesy visit, Makinde demands the removal of mineral resources control from exclusive legislative list of the Federal Government in the 1999 Constitution

During the meeting which coincided with the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) in Ibadan, the governor that Oyo State was ready to partner with the Federal Government to develop the solid minerals sector in a bid to boost revenue generation.

Makinde said that it was important that the control of mineral resources be delisted from the exclusive legislative list so as to help unlock the potentials of the sector for economic growth.

He said that the state would readily support the national aspiration on the mining sector‘s commitment to the development of the sector and informed the provision of two hectres of land for the international gemstone market in the Akinyele area of the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary to the Taiwo Adisa,  the governor reiterate readiness of Makinde’s administration to team up with the Federal Government to develop the international gemstone market located in Ibadan, the state capital.

He added that if mineral resources are optimally and judiciously utilized, the country can potentially improve its revenue generation”

Makinde said placement of Mineral development and exploration under the exclusive list of the Nigerian Constitution has stunted states’ growth and also undermined development of the sector and impeded direct state and local people’s participation.

“We know what this means in real terms: the state and the people have to wait to get a share of their natural resources instead of being the ones to share them.

“Well, the good news is that recently, Zamfara State was allowed to mine and own its gold deposits. It signals that it is time to again push for resource control for all states. As a matter of fact and urgency, here in Oyo State, we call for the delisting of the mineral resource ownership and development from the exclusive list.”

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