The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to make public all existing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) concerning Nigeria’s mining and solid minerals sector. She emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for public trust and good governance.

In a statement personally signed and released to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called for the immediate publication of these documents, preferably through official government websites, to ensure accessibility to all Nigerians.

She said: “We would like these documents to be made available to Nigerians and to members of the National Assembly. Using the Freedom of Information Act will help ensure transparency. Only when the government begins to disclose its various engagements and contracts can we confidently say it is being open and accountable.”

The Senator noted that openness in the management of the solid minerals sector is key to restoring citizens’ confidence in government operations.

Speaking passionately about her home state, she described Kogi as a land of plenty, yet impoverished, lamenting that despite its wealth of mineral resources, the people continue to live in hardship.

She said: “Kogi Central has over 52 solid minerals in commercial quantity. Yet, whenever I visit my communities, I am asked the same question: when will we begin to benefit from these resources?”

Sharing insights from a recent discussion with a fellow lawmaker, she expressed shock over the lack of revenue Nigeria earns from valuable gemstones such as ruby, emerald, and tourmaline, which are being mined across the country.

She stated: “I was surprised to learn that these precious stones are being extracted, yet Nigeria hardly benefits financially from them.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also cautioned the government against repeating the mistakes that plagued the oil and gas sector, urging due diligence and strict oversight in developing the mining industry.

She warned: “We must tread carefully and ensure that every detail is properly handled to avoid the pitfalls we experienced in the oil sector.”

She further demanded clarity on the management of the National Resources Fund, which receives 1.68 percent of special funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, asking for details on total revenue generated and current balances.

She added: “I would like to know how much has been generated into the National Resources Fund over time, how much is currently available, and what was accrued in the past three years.”

Senator Natasha’s call reinforces the growing demand for transparency, accountability, and inclusive benefit-sharing in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.