From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Federal Government has restated readiness to ensure it bequeaths a legacy of a developed and functional Steel Sector to Nigerians for economic growth and development.
Minister of State of Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu made the pledge during a familiarisation tour of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, NSRMEA, in Kaduna State.
Ahmadu who stressed the crucial role the steel sector plays in the industrialization of any nation, emphasized the pivotal role of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency.
He noted that the pursuit of steel raw materials is not merely an industrial endeavor.
According to him, it is a cornerstone of progress, solid foundation for infrastructure, innovation, and national development, adding that the untapped resources of the country, holds the threshold of potential prosperity.
The minister further explained that the Agency’s dedication to exploration, innovation, and sustainable mining practices holds the key to unlocking the nation’s treasures and assured the Ministry’s commitment and support to enhance, and propel the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency forward.
He noted that with the backing of the Federal Government, the Ministry aims to foster partnership, invest in research, and encourage a thriving ecosystem that enables sustainable development of the nation’s mineral resources.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, stressed the Ministry’s commitment to ensure that the Steel Sector is revived and made to function optimally, stressing that the Ministry has capable Ministers who are geared towards delivering on their mandate.
She therefore solicited the support of all stakeholders to put in their best for revitalization of the sector.
Earlier in his address, the Director General of the National Steel Raw materials Exploration Agency, (NSRMEA), Kolawole Ogunbiyi, explained that the Coal in Obi- Lafia area of Nasarawa State needed to be fully developed for it to be economically minable.
Ogunbiyi stressed that if the Steel Sector is given optimal attention, domestic steel production will gradually replace foreign imports of steel which will help in shoring foreign reserves for the country.
He, therefore appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Steel Development, to provide a Special Intervention Fund to complete the Obi-Lafia coal project. He reiterated that if the coal project is fully developed, it would help to reduce the importation of cooking coal..
