The issue of resource control reverberated on Thursday, as the Federal Government reminded the state governments that they cannot not control the solid mineral deposits located in their domains.
This message was delivered by Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, at an enlightenment meeting with state commissioners for justice, minerals and environment from the North-Central geopolitical zone.
There have been calls, as part of the demand for restructuring in Nigeria, for the amendment of the Nigerian constitution, to alter the exclusive list on minerals. The proponents of this demand argue that states should allowed to participate in the exploitation of the solid minerals located in their areas of jurisdiction.
However, reacting to this call, Adegbite argued that doing so would walk against Nigeria’s overall wellbeing.
He drew the example of the oil revenue, which comes from the Niger Delta, but is used for the overall development of Nigeria.
Adegbite told the states’ representatives that with attention the development of the minerals sector for revenue generation, it must be used for the common good of all.
The minister, in a statement issued in Abuja by the mines ministry’s Assistant Director, Press, Timothy Akpoili, stated that royalties and other revenues generated from solid minerals mining were paid into the consolidated fund.
He said the fund was shared in accordance with derivation principle during monthly revenue allocation sharing.
Resource control is an unsettled issue in Nigeria and forms part of the demand for restructuring in Nigeria. Those who call for restructuring argue that states should be allowed to explore and exploit the minerals located in the areas, and pay taxes to the federal government.
It has resurfaced recently after reports said that Zamfara state had made arranged to sell some gold bullions to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
