ETA-Zuma Mining and Industries Limited, the preeminent commercial coal miner in Nigeria, has garnered attention with its proposal to concession the Nigerian railways. Dr. Innocent Ezuma, the Chief Executive Officer of ETA-ZUMA, has underscored the significance of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to bolster the exportation of solid minerals and make a substantial contribution to the country’s GDP.
Dr. Ezuma has articulated the challenges associated with transporting coal via roads, citing inefficiency and unsustainability as primary concerns. He has asserted that the government’s maintenance of roads for the transportation of goods is not a sustainable long-term solution, advocating for the development of rail construction and inland water transportation as more viable alternatives.
In relation to the global initiative to phase out coal by 2050, Dr. Ezuma has raised questions about the contradiction of developed countries continuing to rely on coal while advocating for such measures. He has underscored the pivotal role of coal in energy production and emphasised the necessity for developed countries to address their own coal use before advising others to do the same.
Reflecting on the vision and mission of ETA-Zuma Mining and Industries Limited, Dr. Ezuma has expounded upon the company’s contributions to the growth of the mining industry. He has highlighted the 1,200 Mega Watts Coal fire power project in Kogi State and the 400 combined cycle gas fire power project in Egbaoma as significant endeavours by the company.
Dr. Ezuma has also shed light on the inspiration behind his entry into coal mining, attributing his investment in the sector to his experience in the steel business. He has detailed the challenges encountered during the acquisition of his company, which ultimately led to his foray into the coal mining industry.
He has underscored the substantial impact of his company on the nation’s GDP through job creation and the fostering of innovation. With over a thousand employees in the mining business alone, ETA-Zuma Mining and Industries Limited has made significant contributions to human development and the conservation of foreign exchange in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Dr. Ezuma’s advocacy for the concessioning of Nigerian railways for the transportation of solid minerals reflects a multi-faceted approach aimed at ensuring sustainable growth, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility in the mining industry. ETA-Zuma Mining and Industries Limited stands as an exemplary company dedicated to providing premium solutions to businesses and the primary and secondary economic sectors of Nigeria.