| This disclosure was made by the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc Musa Mohammed Sada during a meeting with a team of Ukrainian investors from Reprom Company both in Ukraine and Nigeria led by the Ukrainian Ambassador, His Excellency Valerri Vasyliev
Arc. Sada assured that Nigeria was ready to partner with Ukranian investors to grow the Mines and Steel Sector.
The Minister said the Federal Government has already put in place regulatory instruments with the enactment of the Nigeria’s Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 to revive and revitalize the Mining sector.
He added that the 2007 Mining law has created an enabling environment where by the government plays the roles of a regulator while the exploitation and exploration of mineral resources are left for investors.
While commending Ukrainian investors for indicating interests to develop the mining sector, the Minister disclosed that the present administration is working aggressively to re-operationalise some parts of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company Itakpe.
He stressed that the reoperationalisation of some parts of these two companies would improve their physical and economic status to potentials investors.
According to him ‘if we put life there now, it is better for us, so that people coming will give a positive result’
The Minister also pointed out that efforts at moving Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited forward must include engaging its old crops of workers to man the company.
He said “if we want to take Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited forward, we will have to work with the old people”.
Arc. Sada said preliminary report of the technical audit of the two companies has been received while the final report is being awaited.
He therefore assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s determination to partner with interested investors both locally and internationally to grow the mining sector in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Ukrainian Ambassador, His Excellency Valerri Vasyliev who was the leader of the delegation said the purpose of their visit was to indicate interest in the development of the nation’s steel sub -sector.
He also commended the Honourable Minister for the support and cooperation Ukranian investors are enjoying from Nigeria.
The leader of the delegation said Reprom Company has been in operation in Nigeria since 2004 and had successfully rehabilitated and run some rolling mills in Nigeria as well as carried out the technical audit of Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron ore mining Company, Itakpe.
In his own contribution, the Technical Director of Reprom, S. Yefimenko said the final report of the technical audit would be released to the Ministry soon.
He advised the Federal Government to consider retaining the old crops of workers that were trained abroad by the government to mann the two companies as parts of the reactivation process. |
