The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Samson Opeyemi Fatola, has unveiled a proposed bill aimed at creating jobs, promoting community development and unlocking the economic potential of Oyo State’s solid mineral resources.
Fatola, who is seeking election to the House of Representatives in the 2027 general election, said the proposed legislation is one of several bills he intends to sponsor if elected.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Oyo State Solid Minerals Development and Regulatory Framework, and for Related Matters,” is designed to promote the sustainable exploration and exploitation of mineral resources such as marble, dolomite, granite and gemstones across the state.
According to Fatola, the proposed framework would seek to ensure that the economic benefits of mining extend beyond operators and government to communities where mineral resources are located.
A key provision of the proposed bill is the establishment of a Host Community Development Trust, through which a specified percentage of revenue generated from mineral extraction would be channelled into projects targeted at improving infrastructure, education and healthcare in mining communities.
Fatola said the initiative would provide a structured mechanism for host communities to benefit directly from mining activities while encouraging greater cooperation between communities and operators.
The proposed bill also seeks to promote the establishment of local mineral processing hubs, particularly for marble and gemstones.
According to the proposal, processing mineral resources within Oyo State would help create employment opportunities, encourage local investment and increase the value of minerals before they are exported.
The proposed framework further provides for the establishment of a Joint Mineral Resources Management Committee to strengthen coordination among relevant stakeholders, tackle illegal mining and promote compliance with environmental requirements.
Another major component is an Environmental Reclamation Fund, which would require mining operators to contribute to a dedicated fund for the restoration of mining sites after extraction.
Fatola said the environmental provision is intended to ensure that economic activities in the mining sector do not leave host communities with degraded land and other long-term environmental challenges.
He said the proposal would be subjected to further consultations with legal experts, relevant government agencies, mining stakeholders and host communities before being developed into a comprehensive legislative instrument.
The candidate also acknowledged the need for the proposed framework to comply with the Nigerian Constitution and existing federal legislation governing the ownership and regulation of mineral resources.
Fatola said his proposed legislative agenda would focus on using federal representation to attract investment, create economic opportunities and promote development that directly affects constituents and communities.
He added that Oyo State possesses significant mineral resources that could contribute more substantially to economic development if properly harnessed, processed and regulated.
