Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Director Mines Environmental Compliance, overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Vivian Okon 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. This was contained in a statement signed by Kania Andeyaba, Director, Press, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Contrary to the allegation, she stated that the delegation from the Ministry 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.
To demonstrate its respect for the House of Representatives, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary said she called 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.
The Clerk replied that it had been moved from 10am. to 2pm. the next day.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Ministry’s delegation was about to go to the House when it contacted the Clerk again.
However, the Clerk informed that the committee has decided to postpone the Ministry’s appearance indefinitely.
Dr. Vivian said, in view of these 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.
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