A media advocacy group under the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals has urged the Federal Government to decentralise Nigeria’s mining governance by removing mineral resources from the Exclusive Legislative List, in a bid to strengthen the Solid Minerals Sector and boost regional development.
Key Highlights
- Stakeholders demand decentralisation of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector.
- Call for removal of minerals from Exclusive Legislative List.
- Proposal for Akwa Ibom Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
- Advocacy for state-led investment in mineral resource development.
- Media urged to support investment-driven reporting and storytelling.
- Suggestion for creation of Akwa Ibom Solid Minerals Investment Agency.
The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day symposium held in Eket, organised in collaboration with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Abuja, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Participants at the event argued that giving states greater control over the Solid Minerals Sector would allow them to engage technical experts, attract investment, and fully harness mineral resources for economic growth.
The symposium also recommended the restructuring of Akwa Ibom State’s Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport to create a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to the communiqué, such a ministry would help position the state to benefit from emerging opportunities in the blue economy while reducing overdependence on oil and gas revenues.
Stakeholders described the blue economy as a strategic driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification and urged both federal and state governments to prioritise its development.
The communiqué, signed by Mr. Bassey Akra, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, and Dr. Edet Okpo, Chairman of the Association, stressed the need for policy reforms to unlock the full potential of the Solid Minerals Sector.
It stated that decentralisation would enable subnational governments to develop targeted strategies for mineral exploration, value addition, and revenue generation within their jurisdictions.
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Participants also emphasised the role of the media in driving awareness and investment into the Solid Minerals Sector and blue economy initiatives.
They urged journalists to promote data-driven reporting that highlights investment opportunities, supports transparency, and builds investor confidence.
The communiqué further encouraged the use of community radio and local language broadcasting to improve grassroots engagement and participation in economic development initiatives.
In addition, the symposium called for the establishment of an Akwa Ibom State Solid Minerals Investment Agency to coordinate sectoral growth and attract private sector participation.
It also recommended the development of a subnational revenue framework to enhance earnings from mineral resources.
The group expressed appreciation to Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, for facilitating the symposium and supporting discussions aimed at strengthening the Solid Minerals Sector and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
