Minister: Pursuit of Steel Raw Materials Not Industrial Endeavour, But Cornerstone of Progress

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja 

The Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, has said that the pursuit of steel raw materials is not merely an industrial endeavour but a cornerstone of progress, solid foundation for infrastructure, innovation and national development. 

He therefore said that the government has  stated its readiness to ensure it bequeaths a legacy of a developed and  functional steel sector to Nigerians for economic growth, development and a thriving future.

Ahmadu gave the hint during a familiarisation tour of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna State.

The minister, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development/ Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, stated that the crucial role the steel sector plays in the industrialisation of any nation emphasised the pivotal role of the NSRMEA.

According to him, the untapped resources of the country holds the threshold of potential prosperity. 

He said NSRMEA’s dedication to exploration, innovation and sustainable mining practices holds the key to unlocking the nation’s treasures, while assuring stakeholders of the ministry’s commitment and support to enhance and propel the agency into greater heights.

Ahmadu said that with the backing of the Federal Government, the ministry aims to foster partnerships, invest in research and encourage a thriving ecosystem that enables the sustainable development of the nation’s mineral resources.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Ogbe, stressed the ministry’s commitment to ensure that the steel sector is revived and made to function optimally.

Ogbe in her remarks, maintained that the ministry has capable ministers who are geared towards delivering on their mandate even as she solicited the support of all stakeholders to put in their best to achieve the comeback of the sector.

Earlier in his address, the DG/CEO, NSRMEA, Kolawole Ogunbiyi, disclosed that the Obi- Lafia Coal in Nasarawa State needed to be fully developed for it to be economically “mineable”. 

He noted 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 disclosed that if the steel sector is given optimal attention, domestic steel production will gradually replace foreign imports of steel which will help in shoring up 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 Obi-Lafia coal project. 

He reiterated that if the coal project is fully developed, it would help to reduce the importation of cooking coal.