FG partners ANRML on capacity building for skilled staff in steel sector - Businessday NG

The Ministry of Steel Development has recently forged a partnership with African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) in Gujeni, Kaduna State, to enhance the skills of staff within Nigeria's steel and mining sectors. This initiative is part of the ministry's broader push towards human resource development, aimed at equipping personnel with a deeper understanding of steel production processes and modern technologies used in the industry. Frederick Ewa, Director of Raw Material Inspectorate and Metallurgical Development and Environmental Protection, highlighted that this training and knowledge-sharing exercise seeks to groom ministry staff, enabling them to make more informed decisions that will benefit both the steel industry and Nigeria’s economy. Ewa, who led the visit to ANRML’s integrated steel plant located in Gujeni, Kargarko Local Government Area, emphasized the importance of such interactions between the ministry and private sector players. He explained that firsthand exposure to ongoing operations and the level of investment involved provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the steel and mining industries. According to him, these efforts are essential to nurturing a cadre of professionals who truly understand the complexities and technologies involved in steel production. This knowledge, he believes, will better position the ministry to support industry growth and economic development. In his remarks, Ewa stressed that no successful business or industry simply emerges overnight; there are definite steps and consistent planning involved. ANRML, he noted, is a prime example of such dedication, having meticulously followed through years of strategic planning to establish an integrated steel plant that stands out as one of the first of its kind in Africa. Ewa pledged ongoing support from the ministry to ensure ANRML’s operational success, recognizing the company’s role in advancing Nigeria’s industrialization agenda. Complementing this view, Ime Ekrikpo, Director of Raw Material Development and Investment Promotion, praised ANRML’s long-term commitment to industrial progress. He highlighted the backward integration model employed by ANRML, which aims to produce high-quality Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) used as a raw material for steelmaking. This strategy not only reduces Nigeria’s dependence on imported scrap iron but also signals a hopeful future for the country’s steel industry. Ekrikpo congratulated ANRML on its achievements and encouraged similar collaborations in the future. Responding to the ministry’s visit, Narasimha Nayak, CEO of ANRML, expressed the company’s enthusiasm in sharing knowledge and expertise with ministry staff. Nayak affirmed the company’s dedication to building skilled manpower in the steel sector, stressing that adding value to mined minerals is key to strengthening Nigeria’s economy. He reiterated ANRML’s commitment to fostering collaborations that will boost local expertise and contribute significantly to the country’s industrial development. ANRML’s iron-ore mining and processing operations in Kaduna produce high-value DRI, which serves as a vital input for steel production. This initiative not only supports Nigeria’s ambition to become a global steel producer but also promises to create economic opportunities by localizing raw material supply chains. The partnership between the Ministry of Steel Development and ANRML signals a strategic step forward in capacity building and industrial growth, aligning with broader national goals to revive and expand the steel industry through private sector-led initiatives.