As part of the efforts to diversify the country’s economy from oil, the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to exploit the large deposit of China clay in Akwa Ibom State.
The House particularly asked the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to “immediately visit the quarries, ascertain the level of resources available, develop a plan for harnessing the resources and establish a Clay Processing Factory in Oruk Anam Local Government Area” of the state.
This was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by Unyime Idem at the plenary on Tuesday, titled ‘Need for the Federal Government to Harness the Large Deposit of China Clay in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.’
Idem noted that Section 44 (3) and Item 39 of the Exclusive Legislative List, Second Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, vests the control and management of natural resources and hydrocarbon operations in the Federal Government for the common good and benefit of the citizens.
The lawmaker also noted that Nigeria, over the years, has been dependent on oil while the price has been dwindling in the international market, leaving the future of the country’s economy in uncertainty.
He also stated that the present economic challenges call for diversification of the economy, taking into consideration the country’s rich natural resources.
Idem said, “The House is aware of the large deposit of China clay lying waste in Ukpom Edem Inyang, Ekparakwa Clan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, which is left at the mercy of the inhabitants of the community who uses it indiscriminately.
“The House is also aware that Section 2 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, vests control of all properties and minerals in Nigeria in the Federal Government and prohibits unauthorised exploration or exploitation of minerals, and that all lands in which minerals have been found in commercial quantity shall be acquired by the Federal Government in accordance with the Land Use Act.
“The House is further aware that in 2018, clay ranked 69th in the world, greatest traded goods, as it made an aggregate trade of $2.29bn and common clay as of 2019 was $17 per ton.”
