The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected allegations by the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Mineral Exploration, Security and Anti Money Laundering that it has been unwilling to cooperate in the ongoing probe into illegal mining activities across the country.
The Ministry said the claim of non-cooperation is inaccurate and does not reflect the true nature of its relationship with the National Assembly.
According to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr Vivian Okono, the Ministry had already made arrangements to honour an invitation from the committee on 18 November 2025.
She explained that after the initial notice, the committee’s clerk, Dr Ademola Adewale, communicated a change in schedule, moving the appearance time from 10 am to 2 pm, before later informing the Ministry that the meeting had been postponed indefinitely.
Dr Okono described the development as unnecessary and misleading, noting that the Ministry has consistently demonstrated willingness to engage with lawmakers in the national interest.
She stressed that the Ministry maintains cordial relations with the House of Representatives and its committees, adding that both arms of government share the responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability in the solid minerals sector.
The disagreement comes at a time when the House committee is intensifying its probe into illegal mining, which lawmakers describe as a major threat to national security, economic stability and environmental protection.
The committee had earlier summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the Director General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office over concerns about their level of engagement.
In its public statement, issued through the Ministry’s Director of Press, Kania Andeyaba, the Ministry emphasized its readiness to continue working with the legislature to address the challenges posed by illegal mining.
It stated that any perceived gap in communication was the result of conflicting scheduling information rather than a refusal to cooperate.
The Ministry expressed optimism that both the executive and the legislature will continue to collaborate closely in order to strengthen regulation, improve sector governance and curb illegal mining activities that undermine national development.
