The significance of railway infrastructure for the transportation of solid minerals in Nigeria has been underscored by Mr. Kayode Ramos, the CEO of Mosra Energy. In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Ramos emphasized the imperative need for the Nigerian government to enhance the rail system to attract both local and international investors into the country’s coal mining sector.
He highlighted the strain that the current transportation system places on the country’s roads, as major manufacturers such as BUA and Dangote rely on trailers and tankers to transport their raw materials and finished products. The substantial weight of these trailers causes considerable damage to the roads, necessitating a more effective and sustainable transportation method. According to Mr. Ramos, an improved rail system is crucial to address these logistical challenges.
In addition to the railway infrastructure, he advocated for the development of bulk cargo terminals specifically designed to handle solid minerals. By addressing these transportation challenges, Nigeria could significantly enhance its export capabilities and tap into the global market for coal and other solid minerals.
Mr. Ramos underscored the potential of coal as a major foreign exchange earner for the Nigerian government, citing the vast reserves of coal in the country. He emphasized that with an efficient rail system in place, Nigeria could earn a substantial amount of foreign exchange from the export of coal. He also refuted the notion of a global shift away from coal, citing examples of countries such as Germany and the UK that continue to actively mine and utilize coal as an energy source.
On the issue of social responsibility, Mr. Ramos explained that Mosra Energy adheres to corporate social responsibility agreements overseen by the Ministry in local communities, particularly in terms of compensating landowners prior to mining activities. He also highlighted the significant impact of coal mining on the Nigerian economy, noting the reduction in the importation of coal by major industrial users in the country.
Regarding the motivation behind choosing to become a coal miner, Mr. Ramos expressed the company’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s electricity problems, as they work on setting up coal power plants to utilize the country’s abundant coal reserves. Furthermore, he commended the Nigerian government for creating an enabling environment for investors in the mining sector, particularly through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastre Office.
In conclusion, Mr. Ramos called for collaboration with overseas investors to establish coal power plants in Nigeria and viable steel plants to drive development in the country. He stressed the need for a level playing field for all investors in the sector and highlighted the potential for mutual benefit through collaboration with Mosra Energy.
In summary, the development of railway infrastructure and bulk cargo terminals is essential for the efficient transportation of solid minerals in Nigeria, specifically coal. With an improved transportation system in place, Nigeria stands to gain significantly from the export of coal and other solid minerals, thereby bolstering its economy and enhancing its global competitiveness in the mining sector.