The Federal Government has praised African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) for its substantial $600 million investment in Nigeria’s mining and steel sector, a move indicative of the company’s trust in the nation. Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, made these remarks during a recent inspection of ANRML’s mining and processing facility located in Gugeni Village, Kaduna State, alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Shri G. Balasubramanian.
Highlights of the minister’s address include:
– Acknowledgment of ANRML’s commitment since 1971 and its role in creating over 4,000 jobs within the region.
– Recognition of the facility’s alignment with President Ahmed Tinubu’s economic goals, targeting a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
– Encouragement for ANRML to continue exporting products while also meeting local demand, currently around 10 million metric tonnes.
Audu expressed ambition for ANRML to assist in reducing imports of steel, emphasising their critical role in this area. The Indian High Commissioner noted that Indian companies are among the largest employers in Nigeria, with investments growing significantly.
ANRML’s Managing Director, Alok Gupta, reinforced their commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s steel industry, noting that their operations now encompass over 70 plants nationwide, producing various steel products. Gupta highlighted the firm’s achievements in backward integration, aiming to shift Nigeria from a steel importer to an exporter, contributing positively to the country’s trade balance. Additionally, the Nigerian Customs Service has expressed support for ANRML’s innovative efforts in the mining sector.