The Welding Federation Presents Communique from its 2nd Annual Assembly to the Nigerian Government on Growing a Sustainable Manufacturing Industry
The Welding Federation (TWF) recently concluded its 2nd Annual Assembly, culminating in a pivotal meeting with the Honorable Minister for Steel Development at the Ministry of Steel Development on March 20, 2024. Led by Dr. Timi Austen Peters of Dormanlong Engineering, who chaired the TWF Assembly 2024 conference management committee, the delegation included representatives from PETAN, OGTAN, and other key stakeholders.
The post-conference meeting was an opportunity to express appreciation for the Ministry’s significant efforts in supporting industry-driven agendas. Central to the discussion was the presentation of the communique from the 2nd annual assembly, held from March 5-7, 2024, outlining key strategies for growing and optimizing African content in welding and materials manufacturing, ultimately leading to sustained job creation opportunities.
Dr. Austen Peters emphasized the comprehensive solutions championed by TWF and the consensus among experts, manufacturers, and researchers on the best pathways to advance Africa’s welding and materials manufacturing sector.
In response, the Honorable Minister acknowledged the team’s efforts and reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, to developing and deploying skills essential for economic growth.
Ayo Adeniyi, Executive Director of The Welding Federation, highlighted the critical role TWF plays in deepening industry understanding across Africa. He emphasized the need for a multi-level support system to enhance manufacturing activities and foster industry specialization hubs across African member states.
Addressing the misconception around skills development, Adeniyi noted that while Africa possesses skilled individuals, the challenge lies in aligning these skills with industry needs and promoting sustainable manufacturing solutions that create value within Africa.
The communique from the assembly, crafted from insights shared during technical sessions, panel discussions, a continental welding competition, and industry visits, outlines actionable strategies to address technical and economic gaps in manufacturing and energy development across Africa.
The Welding Federation remains committed to driving industry innovation, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable solutions that contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development.
