Abuja, Jan. 18, 2024: The State Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Mr Uba Maigari, has stressed the importance of steel as the back bone for modern infrastructure and industrial development in Nigeria.
Maigari described the minerals and metals sector as the foundation crucial for economic growth and holistic development in Nigeria.
He stated this at the 5th edition of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) meeting in Ilorin, Kwara.
In a press release signed by an official of the Ministry`s Press and Public Relations unit Tine-Lulun on Wednesday, the minister was quoted urging stakeholders to be committed to using the sector to help Nigeria prosper and shore up its development.
“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 said.
He described the conference as a platform for stakeholders to establish strategic partnerships and chart a path for advancing economic transformation for the nation via its minerals and metals sector.
According to him, the vision for a robust minerals and metals sector can be attained with the natural resources available in the country, saying that the immense potential of the sector assures for a brighter future.
“Despite the fact that the sector is facing hurdles ranging from aging infrastructure to an uncertain global market, the challenges are; an invitation to innovate, collaborate, and think beyond the ordinary.
“That is why I am here today to call on all of you, miners, manufacturers, investors, policy makers, researchers, citizens and businessmen alike, to join hands in a national mission to revitalise our steel industry.
“Let us use this gathering to not just share ideas but to commit to concrete actions and measurable outcomes, “ he said.
He urged stakeholders in the mining industry to prioritise partnership with local communities for mutual benefits, saying the success of the sector intertwine with the well-being of host communities .
News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the three day conference which started on Jan.15 was themed ` Mineral and Metal sector, a panacea for economic growth and Diversity.
Topics discussed at the conference included: policy reforms, investment opportunities, community engagement, environmental sustainability and fostering innovation in the sector among others.
