The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Benjamin Kalu has emphasized the need to explore the potentials in the mining sector for rapid socioeconomic development

Speaking at a public policy dialogue on 2 crucial bills organized by the House committee on solid minerals, Hon Kalu said Nigeria's vast mineral resources have remained largely untapped, and undeservedly overshadowed by the reliance on oil.
He said despite boasting over 40 commercially viable minerals, the mining sector contributes a mere 0.3% to the GDP which is unacceptable adding that eight other mining-related bills currently under consideration which are a comprehensive reform package designed to address the challenges and propel the mining sector into the future.

The deputy Speaker said, the bills aim to achieve Enhanced security, Infrastructure development, Skilled workforce development, Streamlined regulation amongst others

Speaking in similar vein, the governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule said the country has over 40 mineral resources untapped in commercial quantity across the country which has the potentials of replacing crude oil as the country's highest foreign exchange earner if well managed.
He also added that, if the country is serious of the future economic situation, they must reform the solid minerals sector And this reform must come in form of policies that will benefit Nigerians

Chairman of committee Gaza Gbefwi, said the proposed sold minerals bill to be presented before the house will address the challenges the sector had experienced over the years.