Business
FG Commits To Steel Sector Revival
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to revive the steel and metals sector.
The Minister, who diclosed this when he visited the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), Gujeni Village, Kagarko Local Government Area, of Kaduna State, hailed the company for its investment in Nigeria and African Industries Group (AIG), the parent company for operating in the country since 1971.
The company’s investment has contributed to the economic development of the country, noting that ANRML will play a significant role in the ongoing steel sector revival efforts of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also lauded ANRML for the 900-hectare Iron-Ore mining facility where they invested about $600 million for backward integration to facilitate the production of steel.
The Minister said the vision of the current administration is to ensure that all comatose steel plants become operational and for Nigeria to begin steel production before the end of the tenure of President Tinubu, reiterating his commitments to delivery of the vision of Mr. President.
He said: “It is very clear that this edifice exemplifies the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose plan is to grow the economy to over $1 trillion by 2030.
“Steel is the catalyst for industrialisation, and I commend the Africa Industries Group (AIG) for their important role in taking Nigeria to the next level.
”I am pleasantly surprised you have been doing business since 1971. I appreciate the Group for believing in the country and creating thousands of jobs, employing in excess of 10,000 staff members across the country.
”I am urging the company to invest more to meet our local demand for steel. 10 million metric tonnes are being imported into the country, so this company has a role to play in reversing that trend.
”The President is very serious about turning around the steel industry, including the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. We have plans to build an industrial park in Ajaokuta that will house a Free Trade Zone and CNG park.
”We need more huge foreign direct investments to reduce pressures on FX and to help us create 80 million jobs in the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. So, thank you for making such a huge investment in Nigeria”, Prince Audu said.
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.