The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Steel Development, and in partnership with African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), has organised a programme for capacity building and knowledge sharing among staff in the steel industry as part of efforts to promote Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.

ANRML stated that the training aimed to enhance the technical competence of ministry staff, deepen their understanding of modern metallurgical systems, and align government policy implementation with current industrial realities.

Speaking during the training at the ANRML Integrated Steel Plant in Gujeni, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Director of the Raw Material Inspectorate, Metallurgical Development, and Environmental Protection, Engr. Frederick Ewa said the initiative was designed to build the capacity of ministry officials on new technologies and processes shaping the steel and mining sectors.

Ewa, who led the ministry’s delegation to the “Knowledge and Experience Sharing” session, explained that the collaboration between the ministry and ANRML was vital to bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that government officials are fully informed about industry operations and investment dynamics.

He said, “We felt it was time to groom a set of people who will understand what you are doing in the area of producing steel. After completion of the knowledge sharing and field visit.

“The officials are better informed about the processes and are in a position to make better decisions in the interest of the industry and the economy, as they are fully informed and knowledgeable about the process.

“Every nation or business does not break out from the blues; there are definite steps that must be taken, and that is what ANRML has done in the Steel and Mining sectors of our country. ANRML has painstakingly followed through with years of consistency in planning and following processes of establishing such a company in Nigeria.

“We are grateful to the management and staff of ANRML for accepting us into your fold and showing us the things you are doing. Now, we have seen what you are doing, and it makes us see things better. I will say well done. I see a greater height of what you will attain, and we will give you all the support you require.”

Ewa further pledged continued support for ANRML, describing its integrated steel plant as “one of its kind in Africa, adding that, “As Director, I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure that ANRML succeeds in its operational activities.”

Also speaking, the Director of Raw Material Development and Investment Promotion, Mr. Ime Ekrikpo, praised ANRML’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s industrial development.

In his remarks, the Director of Raw Material Development and Investment Promotion, Mr. Ime Ekrikpo, said, “ANRML has demonstrated consistent dedication to the industrial growth of Nigeria. The backward integration plant has brought renewed hope for the country’s industrialisation. Congratulations to ANRML on this great feat.”

In his response, Mr. Narasimha Nayak, CEO, ANRML, said the company was happy to pass its knowledge and experience to the staff of the Ministry of Steel Development and welcomed more collaborations.

“We will do all in our power to pass our knowledge, skill and experience to build a skilled manpower in the Steel sector and also add value to minerals mined here to bolster the Nigerian economy.”

He noted that ANRML, a subsidiary of the African Industries Group (AIG), has made a significant non-oil foreign direct investment of $600 million in Nigeria’s steel and mining sectors, a move that has created thousands of jobs, boosted local production capacity, and advanced the government’s backward integration policy.

He added, “The company’s iron-ore mining and processing plant in Kaduna state creates high-value Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) as a raw material for steel production, reducing the need for imported scrap iron and positioning Nigeria as a potential global steel producer.

“The company’s integrated mining and processing plant has created around 10000 + direct employment and many indirect job opportunities, contributing to local employment and economic development in Nigeria. By mining and processing iron ore into DRI, ANRML supplies a key raw material for steel production, which is crucial for the Nigerian government’s goal of reviving the steel sector and achieving self-sufficiency.

“The Iron-Ore Mining & Processing Facility represents a cornerstone in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable economic prosperity. The company is committed to Nigeria’s mining sector, positioning the country for enhanced infrastructural development and economic renewal.”