The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Vivian Okono has debunked allegation of a lack of co- operation levelled against the ministry by the Chairman of the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Mineral Exploration, Security, and Anti-Money Laundering, Hon. Sanusi Abdulraheem, maintaining that a cordial relationship exists between it and the House of Representatives.
She explained that contrary to the allegation, the Ministry's delegation 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 Acting 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 Permanent Secretary in a statement by the Head, Press and Public Relations,, Kania Andeyaba, on Thursday said that the Clerk replied that it has been moved from 10am to 2pm the next day.
"Later same day, the Ministry's delegation contacted the Clerk again and was informed that the committee has decided to postpone the Ministry's appearance indefinitely".
The Acting Permanent Secretary said, "in view of these circumstances, the alleged summon issued by the ad-hoc committee was unnecessary.
Sbe 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."