The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Vivian Okono has debunked the allegation of a lack of co-operation levelled by the Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Mineral Exploration, Security, and Anti-Money Laundering, Hon. Sanusi Abdulraheem.
Kania Andeyaba, Director, Press in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development who confirmed the development to our correspondent said “contrary to the allegation, the Ministry’s delegation was informed that the Ministry would no longer appear before the committee on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as previously stated in the letter of invitation.”
The Acting Permanent Secretary explained that in order to demonstrate respect for the House of Representatives, she placed a call to the Clerk of the committee, Dr Ademola Adewale, on Monday, November 17, 2025, to confirm that the committee would sit at 10:00 a.m.
She said the clerk replied that the meeting had been moved from 10am to 2pm the next day, she said, adding that later same day, the Ministry’s delegation contacted the clerk again and was informed that the committee has decided to postpone the Ministry’s appearance indefinitely.
The Acting Permanent Secretary further explained that in view of the aforementioned circumstances, the alleged summon issued by the ad-hoc committee was unnecessary.
She said the Ministry enjoys excellent cordial relations with the House of Representatives and its committees and recognises that the executive and legislative arms work together in the interest of the citizenry.
