MINISTER of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, on Tuesday, inaugurated a 13-member Ministerial Technical Committee on the formulation of a framework for sustainable development and growth of the Metals Industry in Nigeria as part of the on-going efforts to diversify the economy from dependence on Oil and Gas.
While inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the minister said metals industry is unarguably the bedrock of industrialization and the key ingredient for sustainable growth and development of any nation.
According to him: “Virtually everything we use today has components of metals or produced using metallic equipment.”
In a statement by Chief Information Officer (CIO), Theodore Agbagwa, on behalf of the Director of Press, the minister said the committee could not have come at a more auspicious time than now when the Federal Government and all concerned stakeholders are working assiduously towards diversifying the mono-product economy by de-emphasizing dependence on oil and gas.
Represented by the Director, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department, Mr Patrick Ojeka, the minister reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in creating enabling environment for the growth and development of the metals industry with a view to diversify the economy, increase revenue generation, create employment and reduce poverty in Nigeria.
Dr Ogah noted that the ministry constituted the committee not only to develop a framework and articulate some sustainable programmes that would boost the industry but also to have a second perusal at the Draft Nigeria Metallurgical Industry Bill and the Regulations therefrom.
He enjoined members of the committee to bring their wealth of experiences to bear, as well as their natural comparative advantage towards rebuilding the ailing metals industry to enable the nation utilize locally available mineral raw materials that Nigeria is endowed with for economic diversification.
In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Director, Metallurgical Inspectorate and Raw Material Development (MI&RMD) Department, Mr. Victor Ihebinike, on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its determination to develop the Metals Sector.
He then assured the minister that the committee will work relentlessly to justify the confidence reposed on it.