The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has recommended that 20 per cent of the revenue be given to states where solid minerals are mined, up from the current 13 per cent.
The federal government had, in 2016, approved the implementation of the constitutionally guaranteed 13 per cent derivation from mineral revenues to deserving states.
But Mr Bello, at the North Central Zonal public hearing for constitution review exercise being held in Lokoja, Kogi State, said 13 per cent is not commensurate to the effects of mining activities in the state.
“13 per cent derivatives is not commensurate to degradation and other effects of mining in host communities. I recommend 20 per cent equity share for states on solid mineral mining,” he said.
Welcoming other states in the North Central zones to the event, Mr Bello said Nigeria is at a crossroads, critical to its development.
According to him, the present security situation is both a threat and an opportunity.
“Of course, it depends on our responses as citizens to these threats. The ongoing constitution review is one of the tools to address issues in the national polity, so I support the National Assembly.”
The two-day event, organised by the House of Representatives Special Committee on Constitutional Review, started on Tuesday and is billed to end on Wednesday.
Recall that the Senate version of the event was held last week.