The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the Bitumen Development Commission, a move aimed at advancing the regulation, exploration, and development of Nigeria’s vast bitumen reserves.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South), scaled through its third reading during plenary on Wednesday, following the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

While presenting the report, Senator Diket Plang, Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the strategic importance of establishing the commission. He highlighted that Nigeria is home to an estimated 42 billion tonnes of bitumen deposits, the second largest in the world, yet largely untapped.

Plang stated that the commission, once established, would provide the legal and institutional framework necessary for efficient regulation and accelerated development of bitumen as a key national resource.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio hailed the passage of the bill, describing it as a “development-driven initiative” that aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of diversifying the economy and reducing over-reliance on crude oil.

“This is a commendable move towards unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in the solid minerals sector,” Akpabio said. “The Bitumen Development Commission will not only regulate the industry effectively but also promote job creation, infrastructure development, and economic growth across the country.”

With the Senate’s approval, the bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence, before being transmitted to the President for assent.

If signed into law, the commission is expected to play a critical role in positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global bitumen market, while also addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges, especially in road construction and maintenance.