Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, May 7, lamented that foreigners are earning more from mining the nation’s solid minerals than Nigerians.

Akpabio made this assertion in his speech before declaring open a three day investigative hearing on: “The need to comprehensively review the input and output values of the Nigeria mining industry in the light of its general role to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings and social inclusion” in Abuja.

The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Sampson Ekong (PDP – Akwa Ibom South.

Akpabio further said that the foreigners after exploitating the solid minerals and benefiting from them maximally, often leave behind a tale of woes including insecurity.

He said time has come for the country to benefit from the mining sector while challenging stakeholders at the event to discuss the challenges that have hindered the growth of the mining sector and come up with a way forward.