BENIN CITY – The chairman senate Committee on Mines and Steel, senator Tanko Al Makura has said that poor funding in the Mines and Steel sector has stalled its development in the country.
Senator Tanko Al Makura made this known during the presentation of the committee’s report before the appropriations committee in Abuja.
According to Senator Tanko Al Makura who spoke passionately about the development of Solid Minerals, bemoaned the poor funding of the sector as a bane to its development.
Senator AlMakura described the Solid Minerals as a sector next to the Agriculture in areas of revenue generation and job creation but has been abandoned for too long.
He disclosed that Nigeria is naturally endowed with solid Minerals, saying that every state in the country has one or two solid Minerals untapped, which could have turned the fortunes of the country if developed.
The Senator expressed his displeasure over the reckless abandonment of the Ajaokuta steel Rolling Mill, stating tat the Mill has fallen into a deep sleep for too long that must be revived.
Senator Tanko Al Makura noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led- administration came to power with the zeal to make Ajaokuta steel Rolling Mill to work, but the bureaucratic procedures have hindered the company to take off.
He insisted that the company must work, while calling on the Ministry of Mines and Steel to up its game for efficiency.
Also during the presentation of report, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, senator Abdullahi Adamu called for an increase funding on the sector, saying the present administration has done a lot for the development of Agriculture in the country.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu said much has been done but however, a lot needs to be done.
The Senator while fielding questions from Journalists after the budget presentation called for an increase collaboration with the Ministry and other agencies to boost food sufficiency in the country.
Recalled that the president of the Senate, senator Ahmad Lawan had earlier tasked the committee on Appropriations to ensure the presentation of report was drawn to a conclusion this week to enable the quick passage of the budget within the stipulated time, which expectedly is December before the National Assembly would close for the Christmas break.
