Uba Maigari Ahmadu, the Nigerian Minister of State for Steel Development, underscores the role of the mineral and steel sectors in driving the economic growth of the nation.
Speaking at the fifth Council on Mining and Minerals Resources Development (NCMMRD) in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State in North Central Nigeria, Mr. Ahmadu urged stakeholders to commit to leveraging the sector to elevate Nigeria to higher levels of economic and infrastructural development.
Highlighting the importance of the event, he envisioned the conference as a roadmap, translating the nation’s mineral and metal ambitions into actionable strategies that could position Nigeria as a powerhouse for economic transformation in Africa.
Emphasising the fundamental role of the minerals and metals sector, the Minister addressed stakeholders, stating that it serves as the backbone for modern infrastructure, industrial development, and the foundation for numerous other sectors to thrive. He stressed, “building a thriving Nigerian minerals and metals industry is not just an economic imperative; it is a national imperative, job creation, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for a self-reliant, diversified economy”.
Expressing optimism, Mr. Ahmadu affirmed that the vision of a vibrant minerals and metals sector is attainable, given the country’s abundant resources and ingenuity. He believes that with its indomitable spirit, the sector can unlock immense potential, transforming minerals and metals into catalysts for a brighter future for Nigeria.
Encouraging stakeholders, the Minister urged that the Council should not be 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.”
During the occasion, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, expressed that hosting the Council aligns with the economic agenda of Kwara. He emphasised the need to diversify the economy and harness the potential in the mineral and metal sectors. Governor Abdulrazaq disclosed the state’s plans to establish a standard mineral market and appealed for assistance from relevant authorities to achieve the state’s goal of becoming a major mineral and metal producer.
Dr. Mary A. Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Steel Development, expressed gratitude to the Government of Kwara State for hosting the Council and highlighted the valuable insights and experiences shared during the meeting. She pledged the ministries’ commitment to ensure the execution of recommendations reached at the Council.
In his address, Abdulguawiy Olododo, the Commissioner of the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, commended participants for their deliberations and reiterated the state’s commitment to the industry for the economic advancement of the state. He assured investors that the state is safe for business due to its collaboration with security agencies and extended a warm invitation to potential investors.