Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Demands Transparency in Solid Minerals Agreements

ONN FCT 24.10.2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called on the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to make public all Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements entered into with foreign partners in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The senator emphasized that the lack of transparency has hindered accountability and eroded public confidence in the management of the nation’s vast mineral resources.

“We cannot begin to demand accountability if transparency is not in place,” she said. “All MoUs and agreements should be published on your official website. We are in a digital age, it takes very little effort to make this information accessible to Nigerians.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that her concern is deeply personal, given Kogi State’s immense mineral wealth.

“In Kogi Central alone, we have over 52 solid minerals in commercial quantities, yet our people remain impoverished in a land of plenty,” she lamented. “Each time I engage with my constituents, they ask the same question: When will we begin to benefit from the resources beneath our soil?”

She also shared her recent findings about Nigeria’s gemstone deposits, expressing shock at the extent of unmonitored exploitation across several regions.

“It was eye-opening to learn that Nigeria possesses precious gemstones such as ruby, emerald, and tourmaline, particularly in Cross River State,” she said. “Unfortunately, these minerals are being extracted and exported, yet the country gains little to no revenue from them.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Ministry to avoid repeating the mistakes that have plagued the oil and gas industry, stressing that the solid minerals sector presents a fresh opportunity for Nigeria to do things differently, with transparency, accountability, and fairness to host communities.