A Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) to revamp the iron and steel sector and allied industries of the nation was signed yesterday by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos, Plateau State. The MoU was signed in Abuja by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Haruna and NMDC Director-General/Chief Executive, Prof Linus Asukwo, both representing the agencies.
Prof. Haruna said there can be no tangible industrialisation effort that can yield fruits, without the development of the iron and steel sector. He therefore, canvassed the need for Nigeria to build most of its machines and equipment locally, to deepen the impact of innovations and to make manufacturing the norm.
NASENI has been given the mandate to provide research and developmental works in the areas of capital goods, machines and equipment to develop a home-grown and home-sustained industrial development for the country. NASENI’S Executive VC, Prof. Haruna said: “Without the full participation of NMDC and the metallurgical development subsector of the economy, it is extremely difficult to industrialise Nigeria”
Haruna believes that this newly-found collaboration will provide a solid foundation for the steel and iron sector to flourish.
Asukwo thanked Haruna for his leadership role in promoting the science, technology and innovation sector. He described him as an uncommon reformer while commending the various technology strides attained so far by the agency under the leadership of Prof. Haruna
Some of the terms of reference contained in the MoU include: equipment and facilities support in the areas of metallurgy research & development, minerals research & development, analytical and environmental services, consultancy services in metallurgy, mineral processing, and analytical and environmental-related issues.
Others are: capacity building equipment and machine design, fabrication, spares and parts production, equipment and machinery maintenance, repairs and training, supply of research equipment and shared facilities, joint research & development and commercial ventures as well as other areas as may be determined by both parties.
