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News Update
Interview at FRCN Abuja on issues of the moment.20 04 2021
NMDC Boss Calls For Completion Of Ajaokuta Plant For Job & Wealth Creation
25 April 2021 By Georgina Humphrey
The Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo says the nation is endowed with vast coals deposit. Professor Asuquo made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja. He said the coal deposits cannot be used one hundred percent for production of Metallurgical coke hence the centre is conducting studies to increase its utilization in blends for Metallurgical coke production at the Ajaokuta steel plant. This he stressed necessitated the construction of a coke oven pilot plant at the centre to test the results. “The metallurgical industry also comprises the non-ferrous sector made up of tin, lead, zinc, copper, etc. which are abundant in Nigeria” he added. Speaking on how the nation can harness Nigeria’s Metallurgical potential, Prof Asuquo said the completion and full-scale operation of the Ajaokuta plant will create over two million direct and indirect jobs and serve as a catalyst for industrial and technological development. ” if the Ajaokuta steel plant is operational not less than two million people will be gainfully employed directly or indirectly” Professor Asuquo explained. He appealed to the federal government to match words with action by making sure the Ajaokuta steel plant is functioning for wealth and job creation. According to the NMDC boss experts in the steel sector had for long been calling for engagement of Russia to complete the plant. It also describes president Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of a bilateral agreement with the Russian government as a turning point. read more...
The Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo says the nation is endowed with vast coals deposit. Professor Asuquo made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja. He said the coal deposits cannot be used one hundred percent for production of Metallurgical coke hence the centre is conducting studies to increase its utilization in blends for Metallurgical coke production at the Ajaokuta steel plant. This he stressed necessitated the construction of a coke oven pilot plant at the centre to test the results. “The metallurgical industry also comprises the non-ferrous sector made up of tin, lead, zinc, copper, etc. which are abundant in Nigeria” he added. Speaking on how the nation can harness Nigeria’s Metallurgical potential, Prof Asuquo said the completion and full-scale operation of the Ajaokuta plant will create over two million direct and indirect jobs and serve as a catalyst for industrial and technological development. ” if the Ajaokuta steel plant is operational not less than two million people will be gainfully employed directly or indirectly” Professor Asuquo explained. He appealed to the federal government to match words with action by making sure the Ajaokuta steel plant is functioning for wealth and job creation. According to the NMDC boss experts in the steel sector had for long been calling for engagement of Russia to complete the plant. It also describes president Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of a bilateral agreement with the Russian government as a turning point. read more...
No Nation Can Achieve Industrialization Without Research – Prof Asuquo
24 April 2021 By Georgina Humphrey
The National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos says it has witnessed an upsurge in patronage from small and medium scale miners across the country. Director General of the NMDC, Professor Linus Asuquo stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja. Prof. Asuquo explained that many programmes had been introduced to upgrade facilities at the centre following the high demand of the services of the center. The NMDC Director General stated that one of the programmes is to support the mining sector with research into innovative technologies, especially at the value addition and processing stages. He explained that processing minerals involves purification and the extraction from their Ores which goes through many stages. Prof. Asuquo who added that these processes could either be done hydro- metallurgically pyro-metallurgicaly or electron- Metallurgical to arrive at minerals needed said no country could make meaningful progress with out research and development. The NMDC Director General stressed that many countries across the globe allocated four percent of their GDP to research and development but Nigeria has less than zero point one percent until recently that President Muhammadu Buhari increased it to zero point five percent which is still very low. Prof Asuquo who described lack of political will and finances were affecting the Metallurgical sector stressed that no nation can achieve Industrialization without research and development. ” Metallurgical steel is the bed rock of any nation and no one can talk about industrialization without iron and steel” Prof Asuquo added. According to Prof Asuquo the Centre has put in place measures to ensure the sector works optimally against all odds. read more...
The National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos says it has witnessed an upsurge in patronage from small and medium scale miners across the country. Director General of the NMDC, Professor Linus Asuquo stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja. Prof. Asuquo explained that many programmes had been introduced to upgrade facilities at the centre following the high demand of the services of the center. The NMDC Director General stated that one of the programmes is to support the mining sector with research into innovative technologies, especially at the value addition and processing stages. He explained that processing minerals involves purification and the extraction from their Ores which goes through many stages. Prof. Asuquo who added that these processes could either be done hydro- metallurgically pyro-metallurgicaly or electron- Metallurgical to arrive at minerals needed said no country could make meaningful progress with out research and development. The NMDC Director General stressed that many countries across the globe allocated four percent of their GDP to research and development but Nigeria has less than zero point one percent until recently that President Muhammadu Buhari increased it to zero point five percent which is still very low. Prof Asuquo who described lack of political will and finances were affecting the Metallurgical sector stressed that no nation can achieve Industrialization without research and development. ” Metallurgical steel is the bed rock of any nation and no one can talk about industrialization without iron and steel” Prof Asuquo added. According to Prof Asuquo the Centre has put in place measures to ensure the sector works optimally against all odds. read more...
DG NMDC Tasks Staff On Productivity
The Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Prof Linus Asuquo says reward for outstanding performance in public service improves productivity.
Professor Asuquo stated this in Jos during the retirement party organised by the centre in honour of sixteen staff who retired from the Centre between 2018 and 2020.
The Director General extolled the enviable virtues of the retirees to include dedication to duty, trust- worthiness, intelligence, among others.
He said, the secret of the ongoing strides and repositioning of the research centre would not have been possible without dedication of the Retirees.
The helmsman of NMDC who extolled their contributions to the growth of the Agency explained that retirement was another form of elevation.
He charged them to embrace the world outside the Centre with the Desire and Direction, Determination, Diligence and Discipline in their future endeavors.
Professor Asuquo who wished the retirees the best of life encouraged them to hold on to God as no human plan can come into fruition without the approval of the creator.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, the Former acting Director General of the Centre, Mr. Emmanuel Ishaku Mbaya thanked the Director General for aknowledging hard work and commitment as the pivots on which successes revolve.
Also speaking, the Director Finance and Human Resources Management of the Centre, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf-Tumi stressed that the decision to appreciate the retirees was bored out of the Director General’s passion to reward hard work and excellence among the work force.
He therefore urged Staff to emulate the legacies of the retirees in moving the Centre forward and for better life after retirement. read more...
RETIREMENT A PROPELLANT TO PROSPERITY- PROF. ENRG. ASUQUO
The need to accept and embrace retirement as a transition to greater fortunes has been harped by the Director General/Chief Executive, National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Engr Prof. Linus Asuquo. A statement made available to News Parrot by Sunny Eweama, Head (Press and Public Relations Unit National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos stated that the DG/CE harped this mantra during the Sent forth/ Appreciation ceremony organized by the management of NMDC in honour of Sixteen Officers who retired from the Agency from 2018 to 2020 at the Centre's Conference Hall recently.
Prof Asuquo noted with chagrin the countenance of many workers whenever the issue of retirement is being mentioned. He equivocally said that retirement is another form of elevation devoid of regimental tendencies.
The NMDC Boss while extolling the contributions of the Retired Officers in the growth of the Agency charged them to embrace the world outside the Centre with four Ds which included Desire/ Direction, Determination, Diligence and Discipline. He said that testimonies of those who accepted Retirement as transition to greater opportunities have shown that life after retirement is more promising than the one experienced while in public service.
Prof Asuquo sited the present President of America as example of a man close to eighty years yet kicks high in all his governmental activities.' His age should be a source of motivation to you all' he emphasised.
'At my age of over sixty years, am only beginning ' the DG/CE stated. He advised the Retirees to expunge from their future endeavours the four Ds that can stand as stumbling blocks on their ways, these included, Doubts, Discouragement, Dismal and Disappointment.
The DG/CE encouraged both the members of staff and the Retirees to make use of every healthy opportunity around them to prepare for greater task ahead of them before and after retirement.
Prof Asuquo wished the Retirees the best of life while urging them to hold unto God as no human plan can come into fruition without the approval of the creator he stressed.
In his response, the formal Acting Director General of the Agency, Engr Emmanuel Ishaku Mbaya on behalf of his colleagues Retirees thanked the DG/CE and the entire members of staff of NMDC for considering them worthy for such honour.
Mbaya said that retirement is an indispensable factor in the public service. He narrated his experience climbing the ladder in the civil service to the position of a Director and his experience so far outside the walls of the civil service.
The former Acting DG expressed his awe on the unimaginable human and infrastructural transformation taking place at NMDC within the short period the DG/CE assumed leadership of the Centre.
He equally implored the DG/CE and his work force never to dither in their resolve to make Research and Development a better option to oil in growing the economy of Nigeria.
Mbaya said that no person who retired from NMDC will ever regret working their because as a research institute, it makes one to be more creative and encourages bond among colleagues
'We contributed our quotas to the system while in service and today we are happy to successfully managing our businesses in the other side of the world' Mbaya stated.
The Director of Finance and Human Resources Management of the Centre, Dr Abubakar Yusuf Tumi in his vote of thanks said that the decision of the management to appreciate the Retirees was burned out of the passion of the DG/CE to reward hard work and excellence among the work force. He said that the sent forth was the first of its kind organised by the centre.
Dr. Tumi advised the retirees to go to world as Ambassadors NMDC through their honest and diligent way of handling their engagements outside the fore walls of the centre.
He told all members of staff to emulate all the virtues the retirees left behind that can serve as propensity for better life after retirement. read more...
Harnessing the potentials of NMDC, jos plateau state shall be positioned to receive 13% mineral derivation from FAAC- Prof. Engr. Asuquo
The need to vigorously increase the IGR of Plateau State through mineral proceeds has been emphasised by the Director General/Chief Executive, National Metallurgical Development, Centre, Jos, Engr Prof. Linus O. Asuquo.
A Statement signed by Sunny Eweama, Head Press and Public Relations, National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos stated that Prof Asuquo disclosed this when he received the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, RT.Hon Abok Nuhu Ayuba and the House Majority Leader, Hon. Naanlong Daniel who were on a- one day working visit to NMDC, Jos recently.
The DG/CE reminded the Speaker and his entourage that considering the mineral deposits in Plateau State, the state has no reason to complain of lack of revenue rather has all it takes to lend money to other neighbouring states.
He informed the Speaker that there were over ninety mining companies in Plateau State in the 1970s owing to the abundant mineral deposits in Plateau State but ironically there is none in the state today.
Asuquo said that today there are over forty- four mineral deposits certified across the country with greater percentage of the deposits available in Plateau State.
He challenged the state government to go back to the basis to maximize its Internally generated revenue through exploration, mining and processing of the natural abundant mineral deposits in the state.
The DG/CE while accompanying the Speaker on facility tour at the centre told him that NMDC as a Research Agency is mainly involved in mineral processing and beneficiating.
According to him the State or even LGAs can obtain Mineral Titles from Mining Cadestra Office of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and venture into mining and processing of different minerals in the state.
Prof. Asuquo enumerated the minerals available in Plateau State to include Tin, Coal, Columbyte, Barite etc. He said that Plateau State is privileged to have a trans- African rated research Agency like NMDC situated in it domain pointing out that collaboration between the state and NMDC will not only boost the state's I G R, reduction of unemployment but reposition it to its original pride of place in the mineral map of Nigeria and Africa at large .
The Speaker RT Hon Ayuba in his response expressed his shock for what he called unprecedented transformation taking place at NMDC. He told the DG/CE that it only a passionate and God spirited individual that can do what he is doing in terms human and infrastructural development.
The Speaker said during his school days Passing through NMDC the compound would remind one of antiquated ruin abandoned for decades but what he saw in the visit showed that with the new NMDC, there is hope for Plateau State and Nigeria at large. read more...
What Nigerians should expect from NMDC alliances with NDA, DICON, NESREA, others – Director General
In order to ensure sustainable metallurgical development and industrialisation of Nigeria, the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) Jos, has established strategic alliances with relevant institutions in the country, the Director-General of the NMDC, Prof Linus Asuquo has said. He said the collaborations are part of ongoing efforts of government to create wealth and jobs through the solid minerals sector.
Prof Asuquo, who made the disclosure during a recent interaction with journalists in Abuja, said: “The NMDC is working very closely with the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA), the University of Jos (Uni-Jos), the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Authority (NESREA), and the College of Education (CoE), Akwanga,” adding that the collaboration prioritizes the use of local content as a veritable tool for the industrialization of Nigeria.
Head of Press and Public Relations, NMDC, Mr. Sunny Ezenwa, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, quoted the Director General as saying that the collaboration will fashion-out strategies that will lead to reduction in materials importation and cost of funding manpower development in Nigeria.
Prof Asuquo called on public and private institutions to take advantage of the potentials of the Mineral Processing Plant available at NMDC. He appealed to government to increase the budgetary allocation to NMDC, stating that if budgetary allocation to the centre is increased, NMDC will be more enabled to realize the vision of becoming a leading research and development centre in Africa.
The Director-General lamented that Nigeria has spent so much on the importation of processed minerals. He called on raw materials processing industries to patronize the Minerals Processing Pilot Plant at NMDC, Jos, stating that the Plant is a Federal Government-UNIDO collaborative plant, put in place by government for the processing of virtually all the minerals in Nigeria and the West African sub region. read more...
NMDC Urges Plateau State To Venture Into Mining To Boost IGR
The National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos, says the Plateau State Government can get 13% mineral derivation from FAAC if the state properly harness the potential of the Centre.
Director General of the Centre, Professor Linus Asuquo stated this when he received the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abok Nuhu Ayuba and the House Majority Leader, Hon. Naanlong Daniel who were on a- one day working visit to NMDC, Jos.
According to him the State or even LGAs can obtain Mineral Titles from Mining Cadestra Office of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and venture into mining and processing of different minerals in the state.
“There is need to vigorously increase the IGR of Plateau State through mineral proceeds” Asuquo added
He reminded the Speaker and his entourage that considering the mineral deposits in Plateau State, the state has no reason to complain of lack of revenue and can also lend money to other neighboring states.
He informed the Speaker that there were over ninety mining companies in Plateau State in the 1970s owing to the abundant mineral deposits in the State but ironically there is non functioning as of today.
“There are over forty- four mineral deposits certified across the country with greater percentage of the deposits available in Plateau State.
He challenged the state government to go back to the basis to maximize its Internally generated revenue through exploration, mining and processing of the natural abundant mineral deposits in the state.
Prof. Asuquo enumerated the minerals available in Plateau State to include Tin, Coal, Columbyte, Barite etc.
He said that Plateau State is privileged to have a trans- African rated research Agency like NMDC situated in its domain pointing out that collaboration between the state and NMDC would not only boost the state’s I G R,but reduction of unemployment and reposition the State to its original pride of place in the mineral map of Nigeria and Africa at large .
Responding the Speaker Plateau state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abok Nuhu Ayuba commended the transformation taking place at NMDC, in terms of human and infrastructural development.
Hon. Ayuba informed the DG and his management team that he was impressed by what he saw on ground while promising to woo the State Governor to visit the Centre and see things for himself so as to finalize the collaboration process.
The Speaker while atouring the facilities thanked the Federal government for considering Plateau State as the appropriate state to site such an Economic- Indispensable Research Institute that is capable of becoming the industrial hub of Africa if properly utilized.
He equally promised that the House under his leadership would explore all legislative avenues to add value to the Centre. read more...
NMDC Strengthens Collaboration With Relevant Agencies For Devt Of Nig
The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) Jos, has established strategic alliances with relevant institutions in the country to ensure sustainable metallurgical development and industrialisation of Nigeria,
The Director-General of the NMDC, Prof Linus Asuquo made this known in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja.
He said the collaborations are part of ongoing efforts of government to create wealth and jobs through the solid minerals sector.
“The NMDC is working very closely with the Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Defense Academy, the University of Jos, the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Authority and the College of Education Akwanga,”
He added that the collaboration prioritizes the use of local content as a veritable tool for the industrialization of Nigeria.
The Director General also explained that the collaboration would fashion-out strategies that will lead to reduction in materials importation and cost of funding manpower development in Nigeria.
Prof Asuquo called on public and private institutions to take advantage of the potential of the Mineral Processing Plant available at the Centre.
He appealed to government to increase the budgetary allocation to centre, stressing that if budgetary allocation to the centre is increased, NMDC would be more enabled to realize the vision of becoming a leading research and development centre in Africa.
The Director-General lamented that Nigeria has spent so much on the importation of processed minerals.
He called on raw materials processing industries to patronize the Minerals Processing Pilot Plant at NMDC, Jos, adding that the Plant is a Federal Government-UNIDO collaborative plant, put in place by government for the processing of virtually all the minerals in Nigeria and the West African sub region. read more...
MINERAL PROCESSING, THE BEDROCK FOR INDUSTRALIZATION —PROF ASUQUO
Setting the pace for industrialization through processing of Nigeria mineral in line with Executive Order 5 a-- realistic step for rapid industrialization.
This was made known by the Director General/Chief Executive, National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Engr. Prof Linus Asuquo while interacting with Newsmen in Abuja during the weekend.
Prof Asuquo while responding to questions on' the role of Local Mineral Processing in Reducing Huge Importation Bills, NMDC-- a focal point'
The DG/CE said that hitherto Nigeria has spent so much in the importation of processed minerals there by incurring huge debt which would have been avoided by proper utilization of the Minerals Processing Pilot Plat at NMDC, Jos.
The NMDC Helmsman said that the Minerals Processing Plant in his Agency was a Federal Government / UNIDO collaborative Pilot Plant aimed at processing virtually all the minerals in Nigeria and West African sub region.
He decried the poor patronage by government agencies corporate organizations and individuals which has mitigated the maximum utilization of the plant.
He highlighted the indispensable role mineral processing plays in the mineral production value chain.
Prof Asuquo reminded the Newsmen that the Minerals Processing Pilot Plant in NMDC is one of the three Pilot Plants in Africa. According to him the rest two plants are located in South Africa and Egypt.
The DG made it clear that each mineral after passing through the exploration and mining stage can only have value when it passes through the processing stage.
In his words 'It is at the processing stage we either upgrade or reduce the component in mineral ores according to the request of the Clients while expunging the unwanted elements.
He said that the plant has the capacity to process ferrous and non-ferrous materials to meet international standard.
Asuquo reiterated his commitment to ensure that NMDC provides the processed minerals/ materials needed to keep Nigeria on the wheels of industrialization.
On the issue of collaboration with other organizations to ensure that local content becomes a veritable tool of industrialization in Nigeria.
The DG pointed out that recently, NMDC had collaborations with Defense Industries corporation of Nigeria, (DICON) Nigeria Defense Academy(NDA), University of Jos, Akwanga College of Education, NESREA etc.
These collaborations according to him were aimed at reducing the cost of materials importation and cost of funding manpower development in Nigeria.
The collaborations with some of these Agencies have in recent time attracted the government to strengthen the partnership in order to promote industrialization the DG explained.
Prof Asuquo called on the government, corporate organizations and individuals to utilize the potentials of the Mineral Processing Plant available at NMDC while calling on the government to increase the budgetary allocation to NMDC for it to realize its vision as an Excellent- Based Research and Development Centre in Africa.
Sunny Eweama,
Head (Press and Public Relations)
NMDC, Jos
20- 02-2021 read more...
News Update
NMDC Solicits More Funds For Research, Industrialization
The Federal Government has been urged to inject more resources, into Research and Development considering the pivotal role they play in creating jobs and boosting the economy.
Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo made the plea in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja.
Professor Asuquo explained that sufficient funding would encourage research and development in the mineral sector to boost the nation’s economy.
He stressed that the centre has the potential to industrialize the country through global best practices in Research and Development if provided with the instrument needed to realize set goals.
The NMDC Director General stated that despite appeal for diversification of the economy, the government was yet to fund research institutions adequately.
He said the need for adequate budgetary allocation to research institutions cannot be overemphasized considering the role of research to national economic development.
Professor Asuquo stressed that for the nation’s economy to favorable compete with developed economies there is urgent need for more robust and sustainable investment in human capacity building which is a key factor in driving other sectors for rapid economic growth.
According to Professor Asuquo, in line with President Mohammadu Buhari’s Economic Diversification Policy, on the Mining and Steel Sector, the centre had trained and re-trained members of staff, to imbibe the right attitude to work which would improve productivity.’
He explained that since assumption as the Director General of the Agency, the management had worked to provide conducive environment for research, promote staff who been stagnant over the years to boost their morale, reviving the infrastructure at the Centre and built the capacity of staff for optimal service delivery.
The NMDC Director General who stated that some members of staff are on foreign training at the moment encouraged them to take advantage of the training to enhance their knowledge especially in the dynamism of modern technology for better service delivery. read more...
Flat Steel Production Will Boost Nig’s GDP- NMDC
The Director General, National Metallurgical Development Centre, Professor Linus Asuquo says the nation’s steel industry, when fully developed, will boost job growth in the country.
Professor Asuquo stated this in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Abuja.
He explained that flat Steel production would aid the growth of allied industries adding that such was vital for the development of the sector.
“For the nation to industrialise, we need to produce flat steel, which is the ultimate goal of the sector. With flat steel, we can produce many things like engine blocks, vehicle bodies among others.”
Professor Asuquo said that the steel company was capable of generating jobs when operating at a full capacity.
“The steel sector, when operational can be used to diversify the economy, create jobs and also to generate revenue for the government.
Speaking on the metallurgical industry bill before the National Assembly, Professor Asuquo noted that the bill when enacted would assist in establishing programmes that would stimulate the private sector and make the local industry more competitive in the international market.
“Government is willing to do everything to support the industry. That is why we have proposed a metallurgical industrial bill, which is at the National Assembly for approval. read more...
Nig Metallurgical Agency, NDA partner to train cadets in Engineering, Technology
The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Defence Academy to enhance educational training at the NDA.
The NMDC said the signing of the MoU is to complement NDA’s efforts in training officer cadets in engineering, physical sciences, among others.
Prof. Linus Asuquo, Director General/Chief Executive NMDC disclosed this during the event in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Asuquo said the NMDC was fully equipped to support the training of officers.
“As you must have seen during the facility tour, NMDC is well equipped to compliment your efforts in the educational training of your officer cadets in engineering and physical sciences, especially in Metallurgy, Minerals Technology, Analytical Services and Environmental Studies among others.
According to him, “NMDC had been training students of institutions of higher learning in the country in various fields of technology under the Federal Government’s Industrial Training Fund (ITF) programme.
“The Centre also serves as a laboratory to some Universities and Polytechnics that do not have established laboratory infrastructure to qualify them for accreditation by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) or the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as the case may be.
The DG listed some of the services rendered by the Centre to include; construction industry, oil and gas industry, manufacturing industry, mineral sector, water resources, defence industry and consultancy.
He further said “NMDC has made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy through the provision of research and development services in the mineral and metallurgical sectors of the nation.
“Its contributions range from the conduct of routine tests and material identification services to major research and development undertakings.
He added that one of the recent MoU the Centre signed in December, with Defence Industries Corporation (DICON), Kaduna; was for the production of Lead metal and research in alloy development for armaments manufacturing.
Asuquo maintained that the NMDC has a strategic role to play not only in the development of the nation’s mineral resources but its human resources as well.
Adding that the Commandant’s bold move in signing the MoU between the Centre and NDA is a step in the right direction.
“This will strengthen and deepen the relationship already existing between our organisations and will lead to an improvement in the quality and calibre of the Nigerian Armed Forces personnel capable of confronting the numerous security challenges facing the country”, he stressed.
In his address, the Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Jamil Sarham, said the partnership will tremendously benefit the nation and enhance its “technical and solid mineral development, as well as socio-economic enhancement”.
The Commandant who was represented by the Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshal I. T. Ali, said with the abundant solid minerals in the nation, there was no need to rely solely on petroleum which is already gradually fizzling out. read more...
NMDC made significant contribution to Nigeria economy- Prof Asuquo
The Director General and Chairman Chief Executive of the National Metallurgical Development Centre Jos Engr. Prof. Linus O. Asuquo has disclosed that NMDC has made significant contribution to the development of Nigeria economy through the provision of R&D services in the mineral and metallurgical sector of the nation.
Engr. Prof. Asuquo made the statement while delivering his speech on a one day working visit and signing of memorandum of understand between the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) and the Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA).
The versatile academician turn administrator reveals that NMDC contributions range from the conduct routine test and material identification services to major R&D undertakings.
He said, the centre has successfully perfected the process of benefication of the Itakpe Iron Ore into super-concentrates that met the required specification of the direct reduction steel plant at Alaska, Delta State.
Furthermore, Engr. Prof. Asuquo also reveals that Nigeria is endowed with vast coal deposit but those coals are poorly coking and as a result cannot be wholly used for production of Metallurgical coke, a very vital ingredient for steel production via the blast furnace process.
He said, this problem informed the centre's studies on Nigerian coals to increase their utilization in the blends for Metallurgical coke production at Ajaokuta steel plant.
He also revealed that the centre's laboratory coal blending carbonization studies which indicated that certain percentage of Nigerian coals can be utilized in the blends for Metallurgical coke production necessitated the construction of a coke oven pilot plant here at NMDC, Jos for testing these result at industrial scale.
In his part, Major General Jamil Sarham the Commandant Nigeria Defense Academy (NDA) who was represented by the Deputy Commandant Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Ali thank the Director General NMDC for the warm reception accorded to him and all his team.
AVM Ali disclosed that they were in the National Metallurgical Development Centre Jos to signed a memorandum of understanding between the NMDC and the NDA in matters pertaining the establishment of academic and scholarly corporative linkages and collaboration that will be of mutual benefits to the two institutions.
He said this corporation will be in the long run promote scientific and technical development of the country, especially as has reached an advance stage for the establishment of a centre for research in solid minerals at the Nigeria Defense Academy NDA .
AVM Ali further stated that " as we are aware the Nigeria Defense Academy has been a training institution for young military officers into the Nigeria military armed forces, however in 1985 it was upgraded to university degree awarding institute. And since then we have been offering various curses and having different kind of memorandum of understanding with different institutions.
He said "NDA stand to benefit a lot from the NMDC, and having gone round to see things for ourselves and from the background information I heard even before I step into the institution today, this institution is very important to the development of the mineral resources in the country. read more...
Developing solid minerals will reduce over-dependence on petroleum – NDA
The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, Maj-Gen Jamil Sarham, said the development of the solid minerals sector will reduce the over-dependence of Nigeria on petroleum.
Gen. Sarham disclosed this on Tuesday in Jos while signing a memorandum of understanding with the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) Jos for the establishment of Academic and scholarly Comprehensive linkages held at the NNDC, Jos, Plateau State.
“With the abundant solid minerals in the nation, there is no need to rely solely on petroleum which is gradually fizzling out”.
He noted that the gesture was imperative as the NDA has reached an advanced stage for the establishment of a centre for Research in Solid minerals to reduce over-reliance on the oil industry.
Represented by the Deputy Commandant of the Academy, Air Vice Marshall Ibrahim Ali, Major General Sarham, noted that the Academy has been offering many courses in different fields, hence the need to collaborate with various institutions.
Developing solid minerals will reduce over-dependence on petroleum - NDA Director General NMDC Prof Linus Asuquoand Representative of the Commandant NDA signing Memorandum of Understanding on development solid Minerals in Nigeria
He noted that the partnership would be reviewed from time to time to boost the technological and socio-economic development of the country.
The Director-General of the NMDC, Professor Linus Asuquo, said Centre was well equipped to compliment NDA’s efforts in the educational training of officer cadets in engineering and physical sciences, especially in metallurgy, minerals technology, analytical services, environmental studies, among others.
“NMDC has been training students of institutions of higher learning in the country in various fields of technology under the federal government’s Industrial Training Fund (ITF) programme. The centre also serves as a laboratory to some universities and Polytechnics that do not have established laboratory infrastructure for accreditation by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) or the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as the case might be.
“The function of the centre is to undertake examination and evaluation of mineral samples for the purpose of ascertaining the mineral species contained therein. We also carry out liberation studies, characterization and identification of ores and other mineral species, so as to release their valuable grain constituents for industrial use.
“Additionally, we carry out applied research and develop both conventional and new refractory products using indigenous mineral raw materials, among others,” he said.
The Director-General said their activities have led to the completion of a databank of moulding material like silica sand, clays and other binding materials, adding that they have also been rendering services to various government and private organizations. read more...
NMDC Solicits More Funding For Technological Advancement
The Director General, National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Professor Linus Asuquo has advocated adequate funding of the centre for Technological advancement of the Country.
Professor Asuquo made the call when the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Plateau State Sector Command, Mr. Akporowho Isaac visited him in his office in Jos.
He called for the funding of research work to enable researchers carry out studies that would boost the nation’s economy.
Prof. Asuquo said that for any Country to make a breakthrough in Research and Development , capacity building is indispensable.
He expressed regret on the huge amount of money many Countries in the world today spend on infrastructure without commiserable man power to protect the infrastructure.
He explained that the National Metallurgical Development Centre, (NMDC) was established in 1973 as a testing laboratory but has over time metamorphosed to be among the only three Research Agencies with Metallurgical and Mineral Processing Plants in Africa.
Prof Asuquo added that despite being a research Agency under the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Agency trains not only Engineers but other professionals in the Centre who contribute one way or the other to ensure that the centre realizes its mission and vision for the benefit of Nigeria and the world at large.
” I met NMDC two years ago when i assumed leadership of the Centre almost like a ruin but with the unwavering cooperation of the Governing Board, Staff and Management the center has been transformed to a level that Government can be proud of.”
The FRSC Sector Commander,, Mr. Akporowho Isaac on his part explained that he was at the center to consolidate on existing relationship between both organizations upon assumption of office.
The Sector Commander promised to ensure free flow of traffic around the location of the NMDC. read more...
Professor Linus Asuquo: Ode To Enigmatic Innovation And Unrivalled Leadership
If it is indeed true that all that glitters is not gold, then it is possible that gold may not always glitter. In Africa, names written in gold are indeed few and far between, yet prevailing political shenanigans turn every Tom, Dick and Harry into a subject of praise songs. Professor Linus Asuquo's name is one of the few names truly deserving of a gold epithet. But unlike the proverbial lizard, he will not bow down to himself. To read more, please download the full news.
Tenancy Stamp Duty, ‘New Normal’ to Boost Revenue-FIRS
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has said that Nigerian should accept the fact that the country can no longer rely solely on revenue accuring from its natural resources to fund the budget, hence the need to embrace taxation as the new normal of national fiscal policy. To read more, please download the full news.
Mining sector’s GDP rise from 0.33% in 2015 to 8.9% in 2018 evidence of economic diversification.
Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Linus Asuquo, is the Director General and Chief Executive of National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos. In this exclusive interview with Mining In Nigeria Media Crew, the Havard Scholar discusses the commitment of the Buhari administration to the development of the Nigeria steel sector, To read more, please download the full news.
NMDC to Harness Local Content for Industrial Development
Professor Linus Asuquo, is the Director General and National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jobs. The agency was first established in 1973 as a laboratory for the testing of raw materials for the steel plants in the country but it was later transformed into a research and development centre. In this interview, Professor Asuquo says NMDC is being repositioned to harness local content through research to aid industrialisation.To read more, please download the full news.
DICON Partners NMDC In Raw Materials Development For Rapid Economic Growth
The Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo says key economic measures must be taken by both the federal and state governments in order to pull Nigeria out of poverty.
Professor Asuquo stated this when he hosted the Director General of the Nigerian Army Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna, DICON, Major General Victor Ezugwu and his management team in Jos.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Centre head of press and public relations officer Mr. Sunny Eweama.
It states that the country must diversify its economy and change its over-reliance on oil.
It explains that the reliance on oil is not only unsustainable but also incapable of creating jobs and building enduring infrastructure that would support rapid economic growth for the country.
“There’s the need for the federal, state and local governments to collaborate in the fight against poverty in the country” Professor Asuquo stresses.
“There is need for the country to reawaken the consciousness of her citizens on the need to go back to the basis of Agriculture and Mining that constituted close to ninety- five percent prior to the discovery of Oil.
“As at 1919 the TIN mineral alone explored from Plateau State contributed Eighty percent of Nigeria Revenue adding that to curb the effect of COVID- 19 on the economy there is need for every state and Local Government in Nigeria to take Mining Business serious.
According to him, a synergy among the three-tier of government was imperative so that citizens will be productively engaged and be lifted out of poverty.
“The Centre was like a forgotten site but due to determination to make impact and the unwavering support from members of staff through concerted effort we have been able to change the face of the centre through personal inputs and collaboration with some government agencies.
” I have no doubt that the Centre with its proficiency in Research and Development will provide support to Ajeokuta Steel Company when it becomes fully operational’ professor Asuquo adds.
The centre has a core mandate of adding Value to Minerals through Beneficiating and Metallurgical processes and is ready to welcome any meaningful collaboration aimed at adding value not only to the growth of the Agencies but the economy of the Nation.
According to the statement the Director General of the Nigerian Army Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Kaduna, DICON, Major General Victor Ezugwu said he was at the centre to work out modalities on how both agencies can partner to untapped the nation’s abundant raw material to boost the economy.
“Due to my local content drive, virtually all the raw materials used in DICON are sourced locally thereby reducing the cost of importation” Ezugwu added
Ezugwu enumerated his achievement during his one year of leadership in DICON to include the rehabilitation of dilapidated buildings, refurbishing of obscure Equipment’s, Manpower building, Building of Ezugwu Armoured Cars, Production of Explosive, Arms and Ammunitions among others.
Major General Ezugwu said prior to signing of Memorandum of Understanding ,his Organization will send a team of Engineers to understudy some key areas that are technically advanced.
He said equivocally that collaboration between NMDC and DICON will wave goodbye to importation of raw materials from China and other counties of the World. read more...
Executive Order 5: A catalyst for revamping research, devt in Nigeria- Asuquo
From Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Director-General/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Prof. Linus Asuquo said the signing into law, of the Executive Order 5 that encourages utilization of local raw materials in production process and the procurement of local products in Science Engineering and Technology by President Muhammadu Buhari on 5th February, 2018, is a milestone and a wakeup call for Research Development in Nigeria.
Asuquo made this assertion in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, when he received a Technical Team from Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria ( DICON), Kaduna led by Air Commodore Friday Ekpa .
The Team which was on a two-day working visit, came to thoroughly asses the facilities/Equipment domiciled in NMDC with the view to determine those that could be utilized by DICON to support production efforts in accordance with the Corporation’s local content policy.
Prof Asuquo said that the coming of the Team was timely considering the present economic realities that have compelled every country to look inward and harness its potential particularly in the areas of Research and Development.
He said, “With the zeal of your Director-General, Major General Ezugwu and my resolve to turn around this Centre, I think, we are in a hurry to bring about development.
The Director General informed the Team to avail themselves the opportunity to tour round the facilities at the Centre to ascertain their areas of interest.
He advised them not to be deterred in their findings, considering that the outcome of the visit would form the basis of signing the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations.
Asuquo reiterated that the only way for organizations to answer the clarion call of Mr President on utilization of local raw materials is through collaborations, sitting MINTECH in South Africa as reference point.
The NMDC boss assured DICON that the agency is poised to meet its needs in the spirit of collaboration considering the Technical know- how available at the centre.
He informed the team that some of the pilot plants at the Centre are locally fabricated in line with local content policy.
Asuquo employed government to inject more resources, into Research and Development as well as industries, considering the pivotal role they play in creating jobs and boosting the economy.
The Team Lead, Commodore, Ekpa assured the DG/CE that since DICON has embraced and domesticated local content policy, it welcomes any sister organization like NMDC that has the same mind set.
He maintained that the team of Engineering and Technical Experts he came with would carry out thorough findings so as to set a pace for the signing of MOU between the two Agencies.
He told the DG that with the decent environment saw in NMDC, he had no reservation in regarding the centre as the Epicentre for Research and Development in Nigeria.
Ekpa who is also the Director of Production in DICON informed Asuquo that the DG, DICON, Major General Victor Okwudili Ezugwu would be pleased to welcome a team from NMDC, Jos to avail themselves with the industrial revolution taking place, using local raw materials through Local Content policy. read more...
NMDC Solicits More Funding For Technological Advancement
The Director General, National Metallurgical Development Centre, NMDC, Professor Linus Asuquo has advocated adequate funding of the centre for Technological advancement of the Country.
Professor Asuquo made the call when the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Plateau State Sector Command, Mr. Akporowho Isaac visited him in his office in Jos.
He called for the funding of research work to enable researchers carry out studies that would boost the nation’s economy.
Prof. Asuquo said that for any Country to make a breakthrough in Research and Development, capacity building is indispensable.
He expressed regret on the huge amount of money many Countries in the world today spend on infrastructure without commiserable man power to protect the infrastructure.
He explained that the National Metallurgical Development Centre, (NMDC) was established in 1973 as a testing laboratory but has over time metamorphosed to be among the only three Research Agencies with Metallurgical and Mineral Processing Plants in Africa.
Prof Asuquo added that despite being a research Agency under the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Agency trains not only Engineers but other professionals in the Centre who contribute one way or the other to ensure that the centre realizes its mission and vision for the benefit of Nigeria and the world at large.
” I met NMDC two years ago when i assumed leadership of the Centre almost like a ruin but with the unwavering cooperation of the Governing Board, Staff and Management the center has been transformed to a level that Government can be proud of.”
The FRSC Sector Commander,, Mr. Akporowho Isaac on his part explained that he was at the center to consolidate on existing relationship between both organizations upon assumption of office.
The Sector Commander promised to ensure free flow of traffic around the location of the NMDC. read more...
AKS POST COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION: Exploring Solid Minerals as a viable alternative source of Revenue for Akwa Ibom State.
AKS POST COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION: Exploring Solid Minerals as a viable alternative source of Revenue for Akwa Ibom State.
Ime Uwah
Following the efforts of His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel, to seek alternative sources of revenue for Akwa Ibom State, the Chairman of the Post Covid-19 Economic Reconstruction Implementation committee (ERIMC), Professor Akpan Ekpo, today met with the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, with a view to unlocking opportunities in the state’s solid mineral space.
Akwa Ibom State is blessed with Solid Mineral Resources such as Clay of various types, Silica/Glass Sand, gravels, limestone, laterite, Uranium, Salt, etc. and if fully developed, will create massive job opportunities as well as immense revenue for the State.
The Chairman solicited the support of the Federal Ministry in the following areas:
=> Validation of the commercial nature of minerals in Akwa Ibom state.
=> Inclusion of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s geo-data system in order to make the Sector attractive to investors
=> Carrying out extensive surveys through various geological surveys in collaboration with the Government of Akwa Ibom State to further discover other mineral deposits that may be present in commercial quantities in the State.
=> Capacity building and training of staff.
The Honorable Minister was very appreciative of the interest of the State and assured the team that Akwa Ibom State would be included in the second phase of Nigeria’s geological survey. He also accepted an invitation to visit His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel soon to discuss further collaborative opportunities in this area.
Prof Ekpo was accompanied by Chief Uno Uno, Hon. commissioner for Transport and Solid Minerals, Udom Inoyo, Member, AKS Economic Reconstruction Implementation committee ), Professor ( Engr) Linus Asuquo (DG, National Metallurgical Development center) and Emem Ibokette, Director Solid Minerals, Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Transport and Solid minerals.
THE GIANT STRIDES OF ENGR. PROF. LINUS ASUQUO AT NMDC, JOS
ENGR. PROF. ASUQUO IS CHANGING THE FACE OF NMDC, JOS
DG/CE of DICON Visits NMDC Jos on 8th July, 2020
The Director General of Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria [DICON] Major General Victor Ezugwu visited his counterpart Engr, Prof. Linus O. Asuquo of the National Metallurgical Development Centre [NMDC], Jos where they share ideas and in preparation for signing an MoU.
MINISTRY OF MINES & STEEL DEVELOPMENT HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS' FORUM AT NMDC, JOS
2nd Nigeria Metallurgical Industry Stakeholders' Forum [MISF] [Engagement North Central Zone] with the theme: REPOSITIONING THE NIGERIA MINERALS AND METALS SECTOR INTO A DESTINATION FOR JOB CREATION AND NATIONAL PROSPERITY was held Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th June 2019 at the Conference Hall of National Metallurgical Development Centre [NMDC], Jos. The program was well attended by several stakeholders drawn from the Academia, Miners, Technocrats, etc across the North Central Zone.
Several well-researched papers were delivered by presenters to press forward the need for the government to make their promise of diversification of the economy from oil to developing other sectors like the Solid Minerals sector to create wealth and jobs for the teaming unemployed citizens a reality.
MINISTRY OF MINES & AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZES A SEND-FORTH CEREMONY FOR THE HON. MINISTER OF STATE
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development organizes a send - forth ceremony for the Hon. Minister for State, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari
TACKLING CHALLENGES IN NMDC: DG SOLICITS CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY
The Director General and Chief Executive of National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos. Engr. Prof. Linus Okon Asuquo has solicited for the continued support of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in tackling the challenges facing the Centre.
Prof. Asuquo made the appeal in his welcome address during the visit of the Honourable Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari to the Centre on the 9th of May 2019 to commission completed projects and inspect on-going renovation and expansion work at the Centre.
“Let me at this junction, express our sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation and the Hon. Minister, the Permanent Secretary and other Management staff of the Ministry for the support NMDC is receiving in the discharge of its responsibilities” he recalled.
“I want to solicit for the continuation of his support to enable us tackle the numerous challenges the Centre is facing in the day to day conduct of its mandated activities and the completion of on-going projects, especially the Electric Arc Furnace projects which are critical in advanced ferrous metals research” Prof. Asoquo appealed.
Prof. Asoquo stated that the appeal became necessary, especially as the Centre’s overhead and capital allocations were insufficient to address the many challenges of the Centre.
The DG/CE recalled that on assumption of office in July 2018, he was confronted with the challenges of inability of the previous administration to pay the outsourced security and cleaning staff, backlog of staff claims, lack of staff welfare and promotion, and broken down research equipment amongst others.
However, he pointed out that significant progress had been made in addressing the challenges, adding that promotion and issues associated with incorrect career progression had been addressed.
He stated that the challenges of security, sanitation, staff identification, vehicle pass and security lighting system had also been addressed.
The DG revealed that within the period under review, the Centre acquired and installed 500KVA standby Generator, Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES), two power plants and took delivery of a Toyota Hilux Truck.
The Chief Executive named other achievements of his administration to include the renovation and expansion of the Centre’s Conference Hall with “state of the art” facilities and a Media Centre.
Prof. Asoquo further stated that the Centre needs about N 126 Million to fix about 60 percent of the broken down equipment, while a quotation for the reactivation of the two Electric Arc Furnace was being awaited.
Responding, the Hon. Minster Alhaji Bwari stated that NMDC as a research establishment remains central to government’s efforts at diversifying the economy because it provides the critical research and development work needed for value addition in the mineral and metal processing and production chains.
He said that with the acquisition and installation of modern machines and equipment in addition to the improvement in the power supply in the Centre, and the renovation of the laboratories and Conference Hall, NMDC’s capacity to contribute enormously to the growth of minerals and metal sector had been significantly enhanced.
The Minster particularly commended the DG/CE of the Centre, Prof. Asuquo for his giant strides and the leadership he is providing to take NMDC to the next level.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Centre’s Board of Directors, Dr. Sebastine Ibezim informed the Ministry that since the assumption of the Board and the DG/CE last year, significant progress had been made in all areas of the Centre’s activities and operations.
Dr. Ibezim disclosed that the progress recorded in the Centre so far wouldn’t have been possible without the support and the assistance of the Hon. Minister and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, adding that a number of the projects being commissioned were funded through the Solid Minerals Intervention Fund.
Ucheji Nwancho
P R O, NMDC
read more...
MMSD Stakeholders' Forum
This is at the on-going Nigeria Metallurgical Industry Stakeholders’ Forum at NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Kano, Abuja. This was the first of its kind in Nigeria. This is a good thing that is happening to our hope for advancing Nigeria Metallurgical Industries. Kudos to Ministry of Mines and Steel Development [MMSD], the organizer.
NMDC GETS A NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL/CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos has now a new Director General/Chief Executive. He is Engr. Prof. Linus O. Asuquo a former Dean of Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo. He was appointed the new DG/CE by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Alh. Muhammdu Buhari (GCFR). The professor, whose appointment was effective 12th of July, 2018 has since resumed office with full potential from his wealth of experience and zeal to transform the Centre and take it to the next level. With his godly disposition and a man of action that characterizes the professor, the Centre will definitely turn a new leaf below is his brief Profile:
INAUGURATION OF NMDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos now has a Board of Directors to facilitate developmental activities at the Centre.
The eleven (11) member board headed by Dr. Sebastian O. Ibezim, Jr. Esq. is drawn from different professions made up of men who have made their marks in their areas of endeavor. The inauguration took place on the 12th of March, 2018.
LIST OF MEMBERS OF NMDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| MEMBERS OF NMDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS | DESIGNATION | |
|---|---|---|
| SEBASTIAN O. IBEZIM, Jr. Esq | CHAIRMAN | |
| PROF. LINUS O. ASUQUO | MEMBER | |
| VICTOR O. IHEBINIKE | MEMBER | |
| CHIEF LANRE ADESINA | MEMBER | |
| KAYODE A. OBASA | MEMBER | |
| CHRISTOPHER GABRIEL | MEMBER | |
| KAMORU O. YUSUF | MEMBER | |
| DADA ADEKUNLE | MEMBER | |
| SULEIMAN ABDUL-AKABA | MEMBER | |
| OLASUPO M. KOLAWOLE | MEMBER | |
| PRINCE MARTINS BISONG | MEMBER |
GIANT STRIDES OF ENGR. PROF. ASUQUO ......His three months in NMDC
The new Director General and Chief Executive of the National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Engr. Prof. Linus Okon Asuquo is committed to the total transformation of the Centre to enable it assume its leadership role in the metallurgical and steel sector of the economy. This is by providing the enabling environment for increased research and development activities in the Centre.
On assumption of office on the 31st of July 2018, the DG/CE, Prof. Asuquo hinted while addressing the Management and staff of the establishment that his administration would strive to tackle head-on all the challenges militating against growth and development in the Centre.
First, were the issues of administrative challenges which have persisted over the years in the Centre. Prof. Asuquo after a few weeks of thorough study and analysis of the issues, including staff strength and capacity, effected some restructuring/re-organization and redeployment of some staff. Central to this was the need to strengthen the Centre’s Management for more effective, efficient and result oriented administration. The Centre’s Board of Directors, headed by Barr. Sabastine Ibezim at its recent meeting gave credence to the development as they adopted and approved the re-organization and redeployments.
Another was the issue of security which hitherto was a major challenge in the Centre. As a quick fix, Prof. Asuquo embarked on expansive tour of the security agencies in the state, including the police, Directorate of State Security Service [DSS], and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps [NSCDC].
A breakdown of the visits show that Prof. Asuquo visited the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Plateau state, CP Undie Adie on the 17th of August, 2018, and on the 18th of October, 2018, he paid a courtesy visit to the Directorate of State Security Service in Plateau state. Also, within the period under review, the DG/CE visited the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps [NSCDC] in the state.
It is heartwarming to state that each of the agencies has expressed their willingness to partner with NMDC to boost and promote total security in the Centre.
In a related development, Prof. Asuquo on the 29th of August, 2018 paid a courtesy visit to Gbong Gwom Jos and the chairman , Plateau state Traditional Council of Chiefs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba to solicit the royal blessings and goodwill of His Royal Majesty in the administration of the Centre. The DG/CE further used the opportunity to canvass for enhanced relationship between the Centre and the host communities.
In addition, Prof. Asuquo is working to resuscitate all moribund partnership and collaborations between the Centre and other institutions including national and internal agencies, public and private institutions. To this effect, the DG/CE on the 23rd of October, 2018 paid courtesy visit to the Rector of the Plateau state Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.
The theme of the visit is the promotion of inter agencies collaboration, especially in the areas of human capacity building and the advancement of research and development. The Director General and Chief Executive also plans to pay similar visits to the University of Jos, the Industrial Training Fund among others.
Meanwhile the DG/CE has started the process of upgrading the Centre’s existing facilities, including the acquisition of modern machines and equipment
- UCHEJI NWANCHO [ANIPR]
- PULIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
- NMDC, JOS 03/12/2018.
About Us
National Metallurgical Development Centre [NMDC], Jos established by Act 50 of 1992, is a Research and Development organization with the mandate to carry out research and development activities for the Metallurgical and allied industries for the development of the nation’s solid minerals sector.
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