The Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu says the steel sector is essential to the oil and gas industry, adding that steel allows for the extraction of valuable resources that are used to fuel the economy and create various components that are used in the exploration, production, and transportation of oil and gas.
The Minister, who made the point while delivering his goodwill message at the ongoing 8th Sub- Sahara Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) holding at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, said the Federal Government is making deliberate efforts to revive the steel sector with a view to harness the gains within the sector toward achieving sustainable development.
He said the establishment of the Ministry of Steel Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is strategic, stating that it is a 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 said.
Tine-Iulun M.A of the Press and Public Relations Department who confirmed the meeting to our correspondent quoted the minister as saying: “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.”
Furthermore, Ahmadu emphasized the need for collaboration between the Ministry of Steel Development and the oil and gas industry, stating that the steel sector plays a significant role in the vast development of the oil and gas industry. He pointed out that 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.
“I encourage you to explore the partnership opportunities that the Nigerian steel sector offers. We are open to collaboration, joint ventures, and knowledge sharing, aiming to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that drives growth and prosperity for both industries.
“Through active collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can ensure that the steel sector provides the high-quality, cost-effective, and readily available materials needed by the petroleum industry. By working together, we can support local content development, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth across the entire region”.
While highlighting 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, he 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, adding 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.
Welcoming participants to the Conference, Mr. Nicolas C. Odinuwe, Chairman Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, 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, adding 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.
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.
Similarly, the Minister at a dinner to mark 75 years of Dorman Long Engineering, a leading oilfield Equipment, Structural Steel, Marine Structures Engineering and Fabrication Company, noted that the success story of Dorman Long Nigeria Ltd was a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, noting that Dorman haven’t only offered engineering services but partnered with industries like oil and gas, telecommunications, and manufacturing to become an essential gear in the wheel of success.
Extolling Dorman’s unwavering commitment to excellence, he stated he was rest assured that Dorman Long, with its unwavering spirit of innovation and commitment to collaboration will emerge as a leader in shaping a new era for steel in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering, Dr. Timi Austen-Peters while stating the importance of steel in different aspects of human existence, disclosed that steel development forms the foundation for the growth of the economy. He assured of the Company’s willingness to partner with the Ministry of Steel Development for the infrastructural development of the country.
