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, supporting host communities, unlocking the economic potential of Oyo State’s solid mineral resources.
Fatola, who is seeking election to the House of Representatives in 2027, said the legislation is one of several bills he plans to sponsor if elected.
Titled A Bill for an Act to Establish the Oyo State Solid Minerals Development and Regulatory Framework, and for Related Matters, the proposal seeks to promote the sustainable exploration and exploitation of resources including marble, dolomite, granite and gemstones.
Fatola said the framework would ensure that mining benefits extend beyond operators and government to the communities where mineral resources are found.
A key provision is the creation of a Host Community Development Trust. Under the proposal, a specified percentage of revenue from mineral extraction would be channelled into infrastructure, education and healthcare projects in mining communities.
According to Fatola, the trust would give host communities a structured way to benefit directly from mining activities while encouraging cooperation between communities and operators.
The bill also proposes local mineral- processing hubs, particularly for marble and gemstones. Processing resources within Oyo State, Fatola said, would create jobs, attract local investment and increase their value before export.
The proposed framework further provides for a Joint Mineral Resources Management Committee to improve coordination among stakeholders, combat illegal mining and promote compliance with environmental requirements.
It also includes an Environmental Reclamation Fund, which would require mining operators to contribute to the restoration of sites after extraction.
Fatola said the measure would help prevent mining activities from leaving host communities with degraded land and other long-term environmental problems.
He said the proposal would undergo further consultations with legal experts, relevant government agencies, mining stakeholders and host communities before being developed into a comprehensive legislative instrument.
Fatola also acknowledged that the framework must comply with the Nigerian Constitution and existing federal laws governing the ownership and regulation of mineral resources.
