Ukatu calls for more investment in non-metallic mining group sector of MAN

The Former Chairman, Of the Non-Metallic and Mineral Products Sectoral Group/Council Member of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Afam Mallinson Ukatu, has called for more investment in the none-metallic mining group sector of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN), noting that this sector is very rich and if well harnessed can lift Nigeria out of the economic quagmire.

Ukatu made the call in his goodwill message at the 2024 Commerce and Industry Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria’s (CICAN) conference and awards ceremony at held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos on November 21, 2024.

He congratulated CICAN on this annual event, noting that the theme of this year’s event is apt as the industry stakeholders are faced with numerous challenge that needs to be addressed urgently.

According to him, as the former Chairman of the Non-Metallic Mineral Products Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN),  “it is an opportunity to reflect on the past year but also to chart a bold path forward as we face both opportunities and challenges within our dynamic sector.”

Moreover, he said that until the country looks away from the oil sector, it will be very difficult to come of the woods, adding that it costs less to invest in the mining sector than in the oil sector, which has more returns on investment.

Ukatu urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently rework the policies of the sector, which has gone obsolete to make it more investment friendly and attractive.

However, the mining sector and its values chain can generate over 15 million jobs (direct and indirect jobs), thereby addressing the ever-growing unemployment ravaging the country.

“Worthy of note is that innovation, technology, and sustainability are key drivers of growth, and as the government shifts focus towards economic diversification, our industry stands poised to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s future development. We eagerly anticipate the ideas and strategies that will emerge from today’s discussions, particularly on global trends that can drive transformation in industrial activities.

“Our sector is a critical contributor to national development, especially in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, currently estimated at 28 million. This gap presents a significant opportunity for members in the production of essential materials needed to close the housing shortfall.

“We must align our efforts with national strategies to help overcome this challenge, a task we believe today’s deliberations will greatly contribute to.

“Irrespective of the various obstacles we face, ranging from infrastructure deficits, regulatory burdens, threat of substandard imports, massive invasion of the sector by some foreigners who connive with some unpatriotic Nigerians to disorganize the sector, we remain resolute. “Our industry has shown resilience, and with pragmatic solutions, and we must be prepared to compete both locally and across the continent. Together, we can drive our sector toward greater achievements and ensure our competitiveness on a global scale,” he emphasized.

Speaking on the rule of law, he said that the government needs to look into multiple taxes and how it is administered, stressing that the three tiers of government should encourage more people to participate in the mining and give others the opportunity to come up, knowing what is needed to boost the country’s GDP.