Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, has stated that if elected as governor, his administration will obtain mining licenses for mineral resources in the state. He acknowledged that mineral resource control falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government but emphasized that Ogun State cannot afford to be indifferent to the activities of explorers who secure licenses from the Federal Government only to pay minimal taxes to the state government.
Adeola stressed that for Ogun State to derive maximum benefits from its mineral resources, potential miners must be willing to partner with the state government on mineral resource development. He made these remarks during an interview with reporters in Lagos, outlining his plans for the state if he wins the election. According to Adeola, the state government will participate in competitive bidding for mineral resource licenses to ensure that Ogun benefits from its natural resources.
The APC chieftain also emphasized the need to expand the revenue base of the state by broadening the tax net to include evaders. He warned that there will be no "business as usual" if he is elected, and that industrialization should lead to an increase in internally generated revenue. Adeola expressed discomfort with the current situation where industries in Ogun State pay taxes to Lagos State, and he plans to request that these industries at least locate their regional offices in Ogun State.
Adeola's plan is to ensure that Ogun State benefits from taxation, and he believes that if industries bring their regional offices to the state, their middle-level staff will reside there, contributing to the local economy. He also mentioned that his administration will address the issue of housing in the state, leveraging the available land to create new developments. Additionally, Adeola highlighted that Ogun State is endowed with natural resources, including recently discovered gold.
The governorship candidate emphasized that his administration will prioritize the development of Ogun State's resources, citing the potential for job creation, increased taxes, and environmental control. He expressed confidence that with the right approach, Ogun State's GDP can increase significantly. Adeola also noted that the state is larger than Togo and Sierra Leone, and it should demonstrate the capacity for self-development.
Adeola's vision for Ogun State includes domesticating the local content law at the state level, promoting agriculture, and empowering youths through heavy equipment provision. He plans to create a Ministry of Wealth Creation to oversee these initiatives in a structured manner. Adeola also urged Nigerians to vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing his achievements since taking office.
Adeola praised President Tinubu's performance, stating that no president since 1999 has performed as well. He mentioned various achievements, including the absence of major strikes since 2023, the implementation of NELFUND and consumer credit, and ongoing coastal road projects. Adeola expressed his commitment to working closely with President Tinubu if elected as governor.
Key points
- Ogun State will obtain mining licenses for mineral resources if Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is elected as governor.
- Adeola plans to expand the revenue base of the state by broadening the tax net to include evaders.
- The governorship candidate aims to create a Ministry of Wealth Creation to oversee empowerment initiatives in a structured manner.
