The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has dismissed allegations by the Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Mineral Exploration, Security and Anti-Money Laundering, Mr. Sanusi Abdulraheem, accusing the ministry of failing to cooperate with the committee.
In a statement in Abuja signed by the Director, Mines Environmental Compliance, Dr. Vivian Okono, who currently oversees the office of the Permanent Secretary, describes the allegation as unfounded.
The statement explains that the Ministry had been formally informed that it will no longer appear before the committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, contrary to the earlier invitation.
It states that, as a mark of respect for the House of Representatives, the ministry contacted the Clerk of the Committee, Dr. Ademola Adewale, on Monday, November 17, to reconfirm the scheduled sitting for 10 a.m., but was informed that it had been shifted to 2 p.m. the following day.
According to the statement, when the Ministry reached out again on Tuesday, shortly before departing for the National Assembly, the Clerk communicated that the committee had postponed the appearance indefinitely.
The statement therefore describes the reported summons as unnecessary and inconsistent with the actual sequence of communications.
It reaffirms that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development enjoys excellent and cordial working relations with the House of Representatives and its committees, emphasising that both the executive and legislative arms remain committed to serving the best interests of Nigerians.
