Can we start with the background of the company and your offering?
Mantrac Group has been an authorised Caterpillar® dealer for over 40 years, providing dependable solutions and services businesses across the globe. We continue to uphold the highest standards of quality and customer service, partnering with customers to implement integrated business solutions for increased profitability.
As the authorised dealer of Caterpillar in Nigeria, Mantrac Nigeria Ltd focuses on specific customer needs, offering integrated solutions to customers in various sectors, including mining, construction, oil and gas, agriculture, renewables and more. This builds lasting relationships with our customers, who recognise the quality and value of our products.
Where are you focusing for future growth?
Mantrac’s vision is to become the benchmark for Caterpillar dealerships on a global scale. With a presence in more than seven branches across the nation, and 12 territories worldwide, we continue to supply products recognised for excellence in quality and value, aiming to be a market leader in every region of operation. We will continue to be our customers’ partner in success, consistently looking for ways to improve the customer experience and bring market-leading, dependable and technology-advance solutions to their operations.
How important is the mining sector for the future of Nigeria’s economy in your view?
In the past, the mining industry played a substantial role in driving the growth of the Nigerian economy, contributing approximately 4-5% to the GDP. The Nigeria mining industry continues to attract domestic and international investors despite the fact that it is still quite long way off development. In order to achieve the ambitious 3% target set in the mining roadmap for 2025, significant efforts must be undertaken to catalyse growth in the sector.
In your view, is the Nigerian government doing the right things to attract investment and exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth?
To further attract investment, generate revenues and develop the local mining industry, the Federal Government of Nigeria has begun legal, regulatory, institutional, and fiscal reforms for the mining sector. Key initiatives in this regard include the establishment and recent automation of a cadastral system for mineral title administration and the revision of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 is expected to introduce regulations which align with global best practices and create an enabling environment for much more involvement of both local and foreign investors.
You have been a regular partner of Nigeria Mining Week. What made you decide to return as a gold sponsor again this year? What has been your experience over the years?
With the initiative being setup by FGN, we have seen growing interest in Nigeria Mining Week as an event that will bring stakeholders together creating the necessary environment for business discussions and for industry experts to gather to offer their solutions to market.
How important is this event on the regional mining calendar in your view?
At Mantrac, we believe in mutual and continuous growth. We see great potential in the Nigerian mining sector, and we will continue to contribute to and support that regional growth.