Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian government says the promotion of skills acquisition in welding, fabrication and metallurgy remain essential in propelling industrial development, enhance human capital for economic growth, create employment opportunities as well as strengthen Africa’s industrial fabric.
The Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said it was in recognition of the importance of the future of welding in Africa for industrial and economic growth that President Bola Tinubu launched the National Welding Policy in 2023.
Ahmadu at the 2nd International Welding Federation Africa Conference in Lagos, said the event was a significant milestone in promoting excellence and innovation in the field of welding across the African continent that will enhance advanced welding technologies, foster collaboration, drive sustainable development, and promote knowledge exchange and best practices in the industry.
He said, “I am reminded of the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his steadfast commitment to advancing the welding sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu’s National Welding Policy, launched in December 2023 exemplifies a strategic approach to leveraging our natural resources and human capital to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance industrial competitiveness.
“Central to President Tinubu’s welding policy is the recognition of the critical role played by training and skills development in building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.”
Ahmadu further disclosed that the Metallurgical Training Institute in Onitsha, an institution dedicated to equipping youths with the requisite skills and knowledge in welding and metallurgy has a pivotal role to play in achieving excellence in welding education as it offers state-of-the-art facilities, world-class training programmes with expert faculty members.
The Minister assured of the Nigerian Government’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with Welding Federation Africa to explore partnerships in the areas of modernizing welding training infrastructure with cutting-edge technology and equipment; developing industry-aligned curriculum that equips graduates with the skills demanded by the modern workforce.
Other areas are, establishing international certification programmes to ensure the quality and mobility of our welding professionals; Investing in targeted outreach programmes to encourage young Nigerians, particularly women and those in underserved communities, to pursue careers in welding; Promoting the economic viability of the welding profession by creating attractive career paths and offering competitive compensation, etc.
He commended the Welding Federation Africa for its tireless efforts in promoting excellence and collaboration in welding across Africa and urged stakeholders to seize the opportunities afforded by the Conference to forge partnerships, share knowledge, and chart a course towards advancement of welding, for a prosperous future for the welding industry in Africa.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Director Industrial Development, Muhammad Bala, said the Ministry was committed towards implementing strategic policies to enhance the fabrication of machinery and equipment, aligning with the evolving landscape of materials manufacturing technologies.
He revealed that the Ministry has entrusted the Industrial Training Fund with a strategic order, aimed at prioritizing and expediting welding skills development initiatives, as well as to stimulate skills, improving productivity, and fostering value-added production.
Earlier, the Chairman, Welding Federation Conference Management Committee, Dr. Austen Timi Peters, said the Federation when fully developed would shore up forex and contribute to the nation’s economic growth, assuring that developing welding skills can take unemployed youths off the streets.
