Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite has called on operators and stakeholders of the Nigeria mining industry who produce tiles, slabs and associated products to adhere to guidelines and specifications for production.
He said if operators adhere to the rules, made-in-Nigeria products would have very good standing and also favorably compete with products that are made in China and Italy, among others.
The minister, who gave the charge in Kaduna when he inspected the factory of CIBI Nigeria Limited, an indigenous granite, tiles and slab making company, was full of praises for the company. He explained that when operators in the country comply with standards, they would produce high-quality goods.
The minister who commended the quality of CIBI products, however lamented the inability of local operators to meet demand, saying: ‘I am proud of what you have here, but sincerely, in your message to us, you cannot meet local demand,’ adding that it would have been worthwhile to put an end to importation if local production can meet local demand.
Adegbite further disclosed that he was impressed that CIBI has not defaulted in the payment of taxes as at when due and has also created employment for Nigerians which is in line with the presidential directive on job creation.
‘You employed a lot of people, you also pay taxes. I think that is the bottom line for Nigeria. I am very pleased to be here. This is the start of better things to come,’ Adegbite said.
The Minister charged the Management and Staff of the company to collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to enhance their operations.
The Chairman, CIBI Nigeria Limited, Arc. Nuhu Wya disclosed that the company needs working capital for the running of its operations, adding that as a success story in the Mineral Sector, CIBI Nigeria Limited will continue to collaborate with Ministry of Mines and Steel in order to move the sector to enviable heights.
