Minerals, Metals Sector Crucial To Economic Growth 

Development of the Minerals and Metals Sector is crucial to the economic growth of the country.

Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu stated this at the 5th Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development (NCMMRD), meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Ahmadu urged stakeholders to be committed to using the sector to help lift Nigeria to higher levels of economic and infrastructural development.

The Minister noted that the meeting provided a perfect platform for stakeholders to forge efficient partnerships and chart a path forward that will translate the nation’s minerals and metals ambitions into profitable action that would be the envy of Africa and the nation’s economic transformation.

He also emphasized the importance of developing the minerals and metals sector, stating that the sector stands as the backbone of modern infrastructure, industrial development and the foundation upon which countless other sectors thrive.

“Building a thriving Nigerian minerals and metals industry is not just an economic imperative; it is a national imperative, job creating, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for a self-reliant, diversified economy” he added.

Ahmadu further expressed optimism that the vision of a vibrant minerals and metals sector is achievable adding that the country has the resources, ingenuity, and the indomitable spirit to unlock the immense potential of the sector and build a Nigeria where minerals and metals become not just resources, but catalysts for a brighter future for the country.

The Minister enjoined stakeholders to ensure that the Council is not merely a forum for discussion, but a crucible for action.

On his part, the Kwara state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the State accepted to host the Council meeting with the theme “Minerals and Metal: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification” because it aligns with the Economic Agenda of the State.

Governor Abdulrazaq stressed that the need to diversify the economy and harness potential in the Minerals and Metals Sector cannot be overemphasised.

He revealed that as part of efforts to maximise the minerals and metals potential of the State, his administration recently purchased five (5) Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and also plans to establish a standard mineral market where all minerals mined in the State will first be registered before they are transported to other places.

He appealed to the Ministers to give the State the necessary assistance to actualise its dream of becoming a major minerals and metals producing State in the Country, adding that Kwara is blessed with abundant mineral resources as each of the 16 Local Government Areas has at least six different minerals in commercial quantities.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, expressed gratitude to the Government of Kwara State for hosting the Council and participants for making the meeting a resounding success adding that the valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives would contribute to formulation of effective Policies and Strategies for the sector.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner, Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abdulguawiy Olododo, while thanking participants for the 3-day fruitful deliberations, reiterated the State’s commitment to the industry for the economic advancement of the State.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji