The Nigerian government says it is working to bridge the gap of substandard local metal products to compete favourably in the global market.
Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, stated this while declaring open stimulation and promotion workshop for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for the Northwest geopolitical zone in Kano.
Akinlade, represented by Yisau Adepoju, the director of special duties, in the ministry, said that low standard local metal products had adversely affected Nigerian SMEs.
The perm sec in a statement issued by Etore Thomas, the director of press and public relations, of the ministry on Friday, said the workshop was aimed at strengthening the growth of SMEs, sensitise, stimulate and contribute to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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“I am optimistic that the workshop will bridge participants’ gap on the production of quality products that will compete in the global market,” she said.
Also, the acting director, steel and non-ferrous metals, Olasupo Kolawole said the vision of the ministry was to ensure that SMEs operators in the metals sector were fully integrated with other stakeholders in the industry.
