Nigeria Plans to be Major Aluminum and Steel Producer by 2020, Minister says

Alhaji Ahmed Gusau, minister of mines and steel of Nigeria, stated the federal government is expecting to become the world’s major producer of aluminum and steel products by 2020. Gusau stressed that metal industry is vital to the country’s economy as well as the industrialization of the down stream sectors during a working visit to Rusal Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria(Alscon) in kwa Ibom State, adding he was to ensure aluminium and steel sector was on track with the vision 2020 goals from the administration. Gusau hopes Nigeria could be a major producer of aluminum products and dominate the steel sector across Africa by the year of 2020. Andrey Partyanskiy, managing director of Alscon, said the minister’s visit confirmed the federal government policy in investors and development of aluminum products in Nigeria. Alscon, 77.5% owned by Rusal and federal government and Ferrostaal holding a 7.5% stake each, was acquired by Rusal from the federal government on February 27, 2007. COPYRIGHT All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of WAM News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of WAM.