By Palma Ileye
Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu has said that the development of the Minerals and Metals Sector was crucial to the economic growth of the country.
Ahmadu according to the Ministry’s press release stated this yesterday in his good will message at the 5th Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development, NCMMRD, held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He urged stakeholders to be committed to using the sector to help navigate Nigeria to higher levels of economic and infrastructural development.
He noted that the 5th National Council on Mining and Minerals Development have provided the 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 a powerhouse for 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.
Adding that, “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 further expressed optimism that the vision of a vibrant Minerals and Metals Sector was achievable, stating that the country have 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 was not merely a forum for discussion, but a crucible for action.
In his words, “Let us leave this Council not just with resolutions etched on paper, but with a fire in our hearts, a commitment to unlock the immense potential of this sector and build a Nigeria where Minerals and Metals become not just resources, but catalysts for a brighter tomorrow.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, said the the State readily accepted to host the Council as the theme “Minerals and Metal: A Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversification” aligns completely with the Economic Agenda of the State, adding that the need to diversify the economy and harness potentials in the Minerals and Metals Sectors cannot be overemphasised.
Governor Abdulrazaq revealed that as part of efforts to maximise the minerals and metals potentials of the State, the administration has recently registered five (5) Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs and also plans to establish a standard mineral market in the State, where all minerals mined from the State will first be registered before they are transported to other places.
He appealed to the Ministers and the Directors Generals of the Agency in the Ministries to give the State all necessary assistance to help it actualise its dream of becoming a major minerals and metals producing State in the Country, adding that Kwara was blessed with abundant viable mineral resources as each of the 16 Local Government Areas in the State has at least six different minerals in commercial quantities.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of 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 as well as to all 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.
She assured of the Ministries commitment to ensure that the recommendations reached at the Council are executed.
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.
He stated that the State was safe for business because of its collaboration with security Agencies and extended a warm invitation to investors.