The Vital Role of Mineral and Steel Development in Nigeria’s Economic Growth
The significance of the development of Nigeria’s Minerals and Steel Sector for economic growth was underscored by Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, the Minister of State for Steel Development. His emphasis on this point was made during the fifth Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development (NCMMRD) in Ilorin, which is dedicated to fostering effective partnerships in the industry.
At the conference, Mr. Ahmadu highlighted the crucial role of the minerals and steel sector in facilitating modern infrastructure, industrial development, and the overall economic transformation of Nigeria. He emphasized the imperative need to prioritize job creation, community empowerment, and the establishment of a self-reliant, diversified economy through the sector’s development.
The Minister expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to realize the vision of a thriving minerals and metals sector, citing the nation’s abundant resources and unwavering spirit. He urged stakeholders to move beyond mere discussions and undertake tangible actions to unlock the sector’s immense potential.
Further underscoring the sector’s significance, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, conveyed his government’s unwavering commitment to embracing the conference’s theme, “Minerals and Metal: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification”. He emphasized the necessity to diversify the economy and fully exploit the potentials in the Minerals and Metals Sectors.
Governor Abdulrazaq outlined plans to establish a standard mineral market in the State and appealed for the assistance of relevant Ministries and Agencies to aid Kwara State in becoming a major minerals and metals producing State in the country. He also cited the abundant viable mineral resources present in the state, with at least six different minerals in commercial quantities in each of the 16 Local Government Areas.
Dr. Mary A Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development, conveyed her appreciation to the Government of Kwara State for hosting the Council and reiterated the commitment of the Ministries to ensure the implementation of the recommendations reached at the conference.
Furthermore, Abdulguawiy Olododo, the Commissioner of the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, praised participants for their contributions and reassured investors of the state’s business-friendly environment, owing to its collaboration with security agencies.
In conclusion, the importance of mineral and steel development in Nigeria cannot be overstated. The commitment of the government, as well as the cooperation of stakeholders, will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of this sector for the economic growth and development of the country.
