Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uchechukwu Ogah, says the Federal Government has begun the development of solid minerals in the six geo-political zones of the country, appealing to Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts with business ideas and strategies for sustainable rapid economic growth and development
He also advised the business community, investors in the region, to tap into the Federal Government’s policies aimed at diversifying the economy .
He made the appeal on Monday in Enugu during the closing ceremony of the 32nd Enugu International Trade fair..
The minister disclosed that the federal government had already commenced developing a lead/zinc processing cluster in Ebonyi and funding the detailed exploration and development of salt and limestone deposits in the state.
He explained that the initiative is part of government’s regional mineral projects in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Ogah said that the mineral projects were cited based on comparative advantage and aimed at providing the necessary support for the economy.
He hinted that the lead/zinc processing cluster was located in Ebonyi for the South -East region in order to harness the abundant minerals in the area.
The minister said that the exploration and development of salt and limestone would also serve as input materi for local fertiliser production. He added that a barite processing cluster is being developed in Cross-River State to meet the needs of the oil/gas sector and for export of Nigerian mined and processed barite.
He said that the Federal Government would continue to provide helpful economic innovations and investment drive platforms like the Enugu International Trade Fair.
According to the minister, the trade Fair had done well to keep abreast of global economic challenges by bringing economic players together to showcase their products and network for opportunities.
“It has also inspired innovative policy solutions to unexpected new challenges in the economic environment.
“I am confident that the South-East will continue to be at the forefront of investment and industrial innovations to help steer Nigeria towards greater economic development,” he said.
The minister said that COVID-19 pandemic had good part of it. He explained that it brought about innovations Accordinhg to him, the Federal Government had introduced new ideas and strategies to stabilise and grow the economy in spite of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic .
He hinted that the huge investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, railway, inland waterways, energy and agriculture had impacted positively on the economy.
“The pervasive economic disruptions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged nations to innovate.
“One pivotal way that proactive countries are adopting to survive the challenging global economic disruptions is to accelerate the evolution of the industrial sector through innovations in the digital economy,” he said.
The minister said that to build a robust and competitive economy, “one must adopt new technologies and strategies that can circumvent the limits of interruptions of global economic activities caused by COVID-19.”
In his address, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Emeka Nwandu congratulated the exhibitors and participants for a success fair.
He commended the minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, for always identifying with the chamber in spite of his tight schedules.
He said that the chamber would continue to cherish the support of relevant stakeholders in future events.
The ECCIMA president extended the fair by two days to enable exhibitors and buyers trade more.
In a brief remark, the Anglican Archbishop, Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. (Dr) Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, called on the federal government to develop the permanent site of the Enugu international trade fair complex. He called on the South East governors to work together to continue to be at the forefront of the economy..
Preceeding the closing ceremony was the Enugu State special day. In his address, the permanent secretary, Enugu state ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr Godwin Anigbo, who also represented Enugu state governor , Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , commended the organisers of the Fair, the minister of state , Uche Oga, the Achbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastic al Provience, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Exhibitors and , the visitors for making the Fair successful.
“The beauty of every economy, both developing and developed richly lies on the activities of the MSME , the organised private sector. The Government at various levels alone, cannot work in isolation, therefore, it is our expectation and hope ,God willingly, by the grace of God, all of us will be alive to witness the 33rd edition.
“Be rest assured that the government and the good people of Enugu , would continue to partner with ECCIMA and organised sector to develop the economy of the state and expand the horizon of the socio- economic emancipation and consolidate the collective future of Enugu people”, he said.
He urged the people to continue to have hope on the policies and programmes of the governor of Enugu state.
Highlight of the occasion were cultural dance display and issuance of certificates to participants.
