FG reiterates commitment to stimulating SMEs in metals sector

THE Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to stimulating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the metals sector to enhance productivity and ensure that it contributes more to the nation’s economic growth.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu, said this in Port-Harcourt while declaring open a one-day workshop organised by the ministry for players in the metals sector in the South-South geo-political zone.

Represented by Mr Patrick Ojeka, a director in the ministry, the permanent secretary said the workshop was aimed at sensitising and stimulating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the metals sector with a view to improving their contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in line with government’s focus on diversifying the economy.

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He noted that  SMEs in the metals sector that are engaged in manufacturing, fabrication, production and supply of spare parts have been identified by the ministry as the engine of growth and development of the nation’s  economy, hence the need to further create awareness on the roles the SMEs are expected to play.

He said the ministry had analyzed the major roles of SMEs in the metals sector and summarized the basic challenges, which comprise specialized equipment and funding, which the workshop is expected to address.

The permanent secretary said it would also  encourage entrepreneurs at the small and medium scale levels to improve their capacities.

“This forum will also stimulate the SMEs on the approach and requirements for accessing grants and loans for the SMEs clusters,” he said.

In a welcome address, the acting director, Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals Department of the ministry, Mr Kolawole Olasupo, said the workshop was part of the sensitisation programme initiated by the ministry in 2012 with the aim of creating awareness among SMEs in the metals sector to improve their productivity.

“The exercise is to identify the metals sector SMEs in selected states, inspect their operational processes and administer questionnaires to operators to extract necessary information that would provide the ministry with data base to enhance formulation of favourable policies for the SMEs,” he said.

The programme entitled: ‘Workshop on Stimulation and Promotion of Activities of SMEs in the Metals Sector, drew players in small scale manufacturing, fabrication and production and supply of spare parts across the states in the South-South zone.