The Senate has passed a bill seeking the establishment of the Bitumen Development Commission, to advance harnessing of the country’s vast bitumen resources.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), received third reading approval on Wednesday following the adoption of a report presented by the Senate committee on Solid minerals development.

Presenting the report, Senator Diket Plang, noted that the commission’s creation is essential for the effective regulation, exploration and development of Nigeria’s estimated 42 billion tonnes of bitumen deposits, reportedly the second largest in the world.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the development-driven initiative aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s potential in the solid minerals sector.

He noted that the passage of the Bitumen Development Commission will play a critical role in the regulation and promotion of bitumen exploration and production, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. (Channels TV)