The Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr Uba Maigari Ahmadu has called for a robust collaboration between the Ministry of Steel Development and the oil and gas industry, in the efforts to develop the downstream sector.
Ahmadu said the Steel Sector is essential to the oil and gas industry as steel allows for the extraction of valuable resources that are used to fuel the economy and also power daily lives.
Nigeria’s Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, Mr. Uba Maigari-Ahmadu stated this at the 8th Sub- Sahara Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, SAIPEC, holding at the Eko Convention Centre from 13th-15th February, 2024 in Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
Mr. Ahmadu also said that the Steel sector “as well creates various components that are used in the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas.”
The Minister reiterated the Renewed Hope Agenda’s deliberate efforts to revive the steel sector with a view to harness the gains within the sector to achieve sustainable development.
He noted that: “The establishment of the Ministry of Steel Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a strategic and visionary move aimed at advancing Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda”.
The importance and rationale for this decision are multifaceted and underscores the critical role of steel development in driving sustainable economic growth and national development.
He also noted that: “The renewed focus on steel development aligns with the overarching goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including industrialization, job creation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development, positioning Nigeria for enhanced competitiveness and prosperity in the global arena”.
He added that the “Oil and gas exploration and production will be impossible without steel fabrication because it provides reliable and robust structures to withstand the harsh environment of oil and gas production, transportation, and storage.”
Metallurgical Training Institute
He also highlighted the invaluable role of the National Metallurgical Training Institute, NMTI, in Onitsha, an institution which provides industry-specific training programmes, equipping Nigerians with the critical skills and expertise needed to excel in the oil and gas sector.
The Ministrr commended the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, PETAN, for its continued commitment to advancing the African petroleum industry and for recognizing the crucial role that the steel sector plays in the nation’s economy.
“I am certain that SAIPEC 2024 will provide valuable opportunities for steel and petroleum industry stakeholders to connect, explore collaborative ventures, and drive innovation for the benefit of the entire continent”.
The Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Mr. Nicolas C. Odinuwe, noted that the theme of the Conference, “The Next Steps: Accelerating African Content” is one that resonates deeply with the Association and signifies a collective determination to propel African content to new heights, break barriers, and create opportunities for the continent’s talented content creators.
He said that the time has come for Africa to take center stage, to showcase its rich cultural heritage, and to tell its stories to the world.
Mr. Odinuwe remarked that encouraging African Content will simplify processes, reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, attract investment, develop local capacity, and promote harmonization, stating that these benefits will contribute to the growth and development of the African economy and improve the continent’s position in the global market.
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