

NASS Skeptical at FG’s Diversification Plan, Summons Edun and Bugaduu
The National Assembly has expressed concerns over the insufficient allocation of funds to the Ministry of Solid Minerals in the 2025 budget, querying the economic diversification plan of the Federal Government. Summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun along with his counterpart in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning , Senator Atiku Bagudu and Director – General of the Budget Office , Tanimu Yakubu over miserable budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals in 2025 fiscal year .
Summoning of the trio by the National Assembly through its joint Committee on Solid Minerals , followed refusal of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to appear before it as directed last week Wednesday. Pan Afric Reporters learnt.
Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, who appeared before the committees, outlined the difficulties in securing adequate funding for his ministry.
Alake revealed that despite his efforts, the ministry was initially allocated N5 billion, which was later increased to N9 billion after multiple reassurances from budget officials.
“In fact, the first envelope we received was N5 billion,” Alake told lawmakers. “After further discussions, the allocation was increased to N9 billion, but this was still far from what is needed.”
Alake recounted several engagements with budget officials, where he received positive responses but no substantial increases in funding. He emphasized that despite his close relationship with President Bola Tinubu, not all discussions could be disclosed publicly, and he defended the President’s commitment to economic diversification.
He further said, “The President is deeply passionate about diversifying the economy, and it’s a key part of his reform agenda, Our conversations about solid minerals are ongoing, and he is well aware of our sector’s strides.”
Committee members expressed surprise at the lack of adequate funding for solid minerals, a sector they say is critical for economic diversification.According to him, “If we don’t invest in solid minerals, how do we diversify our economy?”. “We must approach this masterfully.”
Irked by the Minister’s lamentation , a member of the committee , Hon Kama Nkemkanma from Delta State , alleged that the 2025 budget is a budget of sabotage because critical sectors, needed to drive the economy are grossly underfunded .
” The affected Ministers and the DG Budget office , must appear before this joint committee as resolved “, he said.