…says it is time to grow indigenous industries
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, has vowed to make solid minerals Nigeria’s largest source of revenue.
President Tinubu stated this at the second edition of the ongoing African Natural Resource and Energy Investment Summit, AFNIS, in Abuja.
Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Nigeria was able to make Petroleum her largest source of revenue and that Nigeria can do it again with Solid Minerals.
Tinubu who insisted that it is time to grow indigenous industries stressing that the President Tinubu led administration poised to do everything possible to lower the risks of investment by overcoming the temptation to interfere in the legitimate business operations of duly licensed miners in the states.
“We are determined to create the conducive conditions for genuine businessmen. we welcome you and shall do everything possible to assist law-abiding businesses to operate in our country” he added.
The President explained that his government is determined to create conducive conditions for genuine businessmen.
“We shall no longer tolerate criminal adventurers and their local collaborators who exploit our socio-economic environment to sabotage our nation in the guise of bringing business. those caught will face the full wrath of our laws” the President stressed.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the minister of Solid minerals and Development, Dr. Oladele Alake stressed that it is time to reshape Nigeria’s future through the huge mineral wealth available in the country.
Alake stressed that the ministry is working tirelessly to make the nation’s mineral wealth the engine room of the country’s prosperity.
He added that Nigeria is committed to driving the economic growth and prosperity of its citizens through proper harnessing of the mineral resources.
“The African Continent has long been the source of invaluable mineral wealth that has contributed to global development, but it is time for us to redefine the narrative and shape the future” he added.
The Minister further added that Nigeria will work collaboratively to diversify its energy sources, promote renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency measures.
In his remarks, the minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu said that the pursuit of value addition has become paramount, particularly in the realm of transition metals.
Shuaibu added that investing in domestic refining and production capabilities, is not only adding value but also paving the way for sustainable development,.
He said “The key lies not only in extracting these metals but in harnessing our capabilities to refine and produce them locally. Doing so is an opportunity to foster economic growth, create jobs, and also maintain control over our resource value chain.
We are committed to a sustainable future that demand’s innovation and transformation in steel production, ensuring that our advancements align with global environmental standards.”