Solid minerals ministry rejects claims of non-cooperation by House committee

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has dismissed allegations of non-cooperation made by Sanusi Abdulraheem, chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Mineral Exploration, Security, and Anti-Money Laundering.

Vivian Okono, acting permanent secretary of the ministry, said in a statement that the claim was unfounded, noting that the ministry had, in fact, complied fully with the committee’s invitation before being informed of a change in schedule.

According to Okono, the ministry’s delegation was initially expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as indicated in the letter of invitation. However, she said officials were later notified that the ministry would no longer be required to attend.

To reaffirm the ministry’s respect for the House of Representatives, Okono explained that she personally contacted Ademola Adewale, clerk of the committee, on Monday, November 17, to reconfirm the meeting. She said the clerk informed her that the sitting had been shifted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the next day.

“Later the same day, the ministry’s delegation reached out again, only to be told that the committee had decided to postpone the ministry’s appearance indefinitely.

“In view of these circumstances, the reported summons by the ad-hoc committee was unnecessary,” Okono said.

She emphasised that the ministry maintains excellent working relations with the House of Representatives and its committees and remains committed to constructive collaboration in the interest of Nigerians.

The statement was signed by Kania Andeyaba, director of press, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.