Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, has explained the government’s decision to withdraw the Lithium deal, a key mining-related agreement from Parliament for further review.
Addressing the House on Wednesday, December 10, the Deputy Minister said the move was necessary to allow the Ministry to engage all relevant parties to ensure the agreement reflects the broader national interest.
According to him, the withdrawal is “to enable the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to undertake further consultations with very relevant stakeholders prior to re-presenting it to this very important House.”
Mr. Sulemana stressed that government remains committed to transparency and broad participation in the management of the country’s natural resources.
He added that the additional consultations will help resolve outstanding concerns and strengthen the final document before it is brought back to Parliament for approval.
The withdrawal comes amid heightened public and political scrutiny over natural resource agreements, especially within the mining sector.
The Ministry is expected to re-submit the revised document after completing stakeholder engagements.
Parliament is anticipated to resume discussions on the matter once the updated agreement is laid before the House.
