The House of Representatives has put a bill on hold that would increase the money states with mineral resources get from 13% to 50%. The bill, led by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and other lawmakers, wants to change the 1999 Constitution to give these states more funding for development.
Abiante believes that the current 13% isn’t enough to help states fix the damage caused by mining and to support their growth. He pointed out that this change is important not just for today but also for the future, especially as Nigeria moves away from depending on oil and gas and focuses more on solid minerals.
The House also passed a bill that would increase the share of revenue from natural resources that goes to the Federation Account. This is meant to reduce reliance on federal funding. Another bill was passed to create new federal constituencies in Imo State to improve representation and help meet the unique needs of its communities.
