Photo caption: Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN)Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Official of Trans Africa Railway Corporation Limited, Engr. Chukwuma Magnus Nwakamma at the event.
By Emeka Ugwuanyi
Industrialization is driving the world today and for Africa to join the league of industrialised world, the welding profession must take its pride of place in scheme of things.
The Minister of State for Steel Development, Mr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, highlighted reasons why welding industry should focus on standardization and capacity buidling. Ahmadu who spoke at the just concluded 2nd Annual Assembly and International Conference of The Welding Federation (TWF) held in Lagos, stated that a well-equipped welding industry will enhance sustainable development in Africa.
To him, Asian countries such as India and China, among others, export skills across the world and repatriate values to their home countries. Therefore, besides driving industrial development across the continent, if we have more than enough welders who can compete effectively with their counterparts across the world, we can export their skills.
It is in view of the above that the Minister called for increased quality training and investment in skills development, research and development (R&D) and infrastructure development. These, according to him, are pertinent to get the quality of welders needed across all the sectors of the economy.
Underscoring the aptness of the theme of the conference entitled “Materials Manufacturing Technologies, Managing Capacity in Africa,” Ahmadu said: “This conference represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to promote excellence and innovation in the field of welding across Africa. It will enhance advanced welding technologies, foster collaboration, drive sustainable development, promote knowledge exchange, and disseminate best practices in the industry.
“The demand for skilled welders across Africa continues to outpace supply. To bridge this gap, we must empower institutions like the National Metallurgical Training Institute (NMTI) in Onitsha, Anambra State, and similar institutions such as the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in Kaduna, Kaduna State, providing them with the resources and partnerships necessary to adapt their programmes to evolving industry needs and equip the next generation of welding professionals. Rehabilitating, modernising and retooling these institutions will substantially enhance equipping youths with the requisite skills and knowledge in welding and metallurgy. Through its innovative curriculum and hands-on learning approach, the NMTI is empowering youths, and government wants particularly women and those in under-served communities to acquire practical skills and technical expertise needed to excel in the welding profession.
“This is where Welding Federation Africa (WeldFA) emerges as powerful force for positive change. By fostering collaboration between member countries, sharing best practices and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise. WeldFA can be a catalyst for growth across the continent’s welding sector.”
Ahmadu revealed that the Federal Government is exploring partnerships with a view to update and modernize welding training facilities and institutions in Nigeria, develop industry-aligned curriculum certification programmes.
Ahmadu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the welding industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said: “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.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Director, Industrial Development, Muhammad Bala, in his remarks, stated that the ministry is committed to implementing strategic policies to enhance the fabrication of machinery and equipment, aligning with the evolving landscape of materials manufacturing technologies. He stated that the ministry has entrusted the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) with a strategic order to prioritise and expedite welding skills development initiatives.
Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), co-oragnisers of the event, Mr. Nicholas Odinuwe, also underscored the importance of unified certification within Africa particularly in welding and manufacturing industries.
He said: “Material manufacturing technologies plays a crucial role in driving innovation, enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainability across various industries, which fosters improved operational performance and reduces cost.
“Managing capacity in Africa is a multifaceted challenge that requires collaboration, investment and strategic planning, which includes standardisation and unified certification.”
To the former President of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Ibikunle Ogunbayo, who represented the COREN president, Sadiq Abubakar, noted that fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government agencies would facilitate the exchange of best practices and development of indigenous welding solutions.
