The Federal Government has lauded African Natural Resource and Mines Limited (ANRML) for its $600 million investment aimed at strengthening steel production in Nigeria. Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, shared this during a visit to ANRML’s 900-hectare iron-ore mining facility in Kaduna State.
Audu expressed appreciation for ANRML’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy, stating that the company’s operations, dating back to 1971, play a key role in the steel sector revival under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “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,” he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to reviving comatose steel plants, ensuring that steel production in Nigeria sets us at par before the end of Tinubu’s tenure. “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,” he added.
He urged ANRML to expand its operations to meet local steel demand, noting that Nigeria currently imports 10 million metric tonnes of steel annually. “This company has a role to play in reversing that trend,” he emphasised.
Alok Gupta, Group Managing Director of Africa Industries Group, thanked the minister for his visit and support for indigenous companies, expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria’s steel industry. “We are confident we will see a revival in the Nigerian steel industry. We stand by your commitment to the production of high-quality steel in the country,” he said.
The event also saw participation from dignitaries including Shri. G Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, who congratulated ANRML and praised its contributions to the local community, highlighting the strong business ties between Nigeria and India. “Its success is a testament to Nigeria-India business relations and friendship,” he remarked.
A.A.S Oloyede, ACG, and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, also commended ANRML for setting new standards in the mining sector, pledging the continued support of the Nigerian Customs Service.
Narasimha Nayak, CEO of ANRML, led the dignitaries on a tour of the Gujeni plant, providing demonstrations of the state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, showcasing the company’s advanced operations.
