Nigeria, Sept. 11 -- The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has described the solid minerals sector as a critical driver of economic diversification, stressing that Nigeria must reduce its dependence on oil revenues.

Speaking at a public hearing on 12 bills seeking to develop the solid minerals sector, held on Thursday, Mr Tajudeen, represented by Mark Oseni (APC, Taraba), said developing the sector is not an option but an imperative for building a resilient and inclusive economy.

He noted that the hearing was not a routine exercise but a key part of the democratic process, providing a platform for robust public participation and diverse perspectives on legislation that would shape the future of Nigeria's mineral r...