Senate Approves Bill to Establish Bitumen Development Commission

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to establish the Bitumen Development Commission, aimed at regulating and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s massive bitumen deposits.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South), scaled third reading on Wednesday following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) said the commission is critical to harnessing Nigeria’s estimated 42 billion tonnes of bitumen deposits—among the largest in the world.

“Nigerian bitumen, found mostly in the southwestern states of Ogun, Ondo, and Edo within the Dahomey Basin, is second only to Canada in global bitumen reserves,” Plang noted. “Yet, it remains grossly underutilized due to the absence of a dedicated legal and regulatory framework.”

He stressed that bitumen, a crucial material in asphalt production and industrial processes, could significantly boost local infrastructure development and create a viable export market.

The report also revealed that stakeholders across the country strongly supported the bill during the public hearing.

Plang emphasized, “There is an urgent need to regulate the development, exploration, and commercialization of bitumen to ensure Nigeria reaps the full benefits of this natural endowment.”

Also speaking in support of the bill, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno Central), said the commission aligns with the federal government’s economic diversification strategy under the Renewed Hope agenda.

“This legislation will open new revenue streams, reduce overdependence on crude oil, and stimulate job creation across multiple sectors,” Monguno said.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Senator Ibrahim and the committee for championing what he called a development-oriented and economically strategic initiative.

“The passage of this bill is a major step towards diversifying our economy and unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals,” Akpabio said.

Once established, the Bitumen Development Commission will act as a regulatory and promotional body—driving investment, innovation, and responsible exploitation of bitumen resources, while positioning Nigeria as a global player in bitumen production.