By Olawale Lamina
The African Industries Group has emphasized that the completion of its iron ore mining and processing plant at Gujeni, in Kagarko Local Government of Kaduna State will mark the commencement of iron and steel production needed in the construction sector in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Group Managing Director, GMD of African Industries Group, Alok Gupta, during a tour of the plant by the Minister of Mines Solid Minerals, Dele Alake and his counterpart, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.
The GMD explained to his guests that the whole idea commenced in 2016 with the community development agreement and land acquisition which resulted in the establishment of a fully integrated iron ore processing plant with capacity for 6 million tons of steel per annum.
Gupta said that, “The plant is Nigeria’s largest non-oil FDI and marks a significant stride in the direction of utilizing its wealth to make real wealth for Nigeria.
“The Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) produced here will be a direct substitute for ferrous scrap currently used as raw material for producing steel in Nigeria. It will also gradually position Nigeria as a prominent Crude Steel producer globally.”
According to the GMD, so far, the company has created 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Nigerians, as a way of giving back to its host community.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake stated that the company is providing local value addition to the minerals mined in the country.
Alake said that, “It’s not just going to mine our iron ore and export it away but they are going to process and refine it here. So, I am happy that we have an example to show to the rest of the companies that are in Nigerias’ Minaral sector. This is a company that is worthy of emulation and I commend the GMD for this remarkable achievement.
“Myself and the Minister of Trade and Investment have gone round and seen the massive investment.Infact,it is reputed to be the largest Foreign Direct Investment in the Mineral sector of Nigeria with about 600 million dollars.
“I want to say categorically that I had to inform the President that I am coming here.He told me to convey his appreciation to you and that he supports you. This is the practical example of it when we say we want to restructure the economy.”
On his part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite said the ministry’s focus would remain on the industrial revitalisation plan with priority steel.
“The reason we want prioritise steel is due to the realisation that it is the bedrock for infrastructure development that will revive our industries.” The minister said.
Anite concluded by noting that there will be no accelerated growth in the sector without the approval of the Infrastructure Development Fund that will ensure the construction of roads and rail lines.
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