FG Reiterates Commitment To A Functional Steel Sector

By Georgina Humphrey

Federal Government has expressed 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.

He explained that in-seam exploration has to be carried out to determine the feasibility of mining the coal resources and bulk sampling for pilot testing and laboratory tests and analysis to enable the Agency ascertain the suitability of the coal for use to feed the Ajaokuta Steel coke ovens.

Ogunbiyi said 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 appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Steel Development, to provide a Special Intervention Fund to complete the Coal project reiterating that if the project is fully developed, it would help reduce the importation of cooking coal.

Edited By Grace Namiji