Ministry of Steel Development Launches Innovative State-of-the-Art Enterprise Content Management System  ...Goes Live on 1-GOV PLATFORM  The Ministry of Steel Development in an epoch making ceremony at the Ministry's Headquarters today, 10th November 2025 officially launched the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) and went live on the 1-Gov Platform. This transformative initiation is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving data management, and fostering transparency within the ministry's operations.  Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu expressed optimism that the ECMS is designed to streamline the management of documents and information across various departments, will enable the ministry to digitize records, automate workflows, and provide secure access to vital information, thereby reducing reliance on paper-based processes and enhancing collaboration among staff. Prince Audu emphasizing the significance of the launch noted that the introduction of the Enterprise Content Management System marks a pivotal moment for the Ministry of Steel Development. Additionally, he disclosed that the launch is not just about technology, but about fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability, empowering the workforce, improving service delivery that will  ultimately contribute to the growth of Nigeria's steel industry. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, noted that the launch signified the Ministry’s formal entry into the new era of integrated digital governance being championed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Adding that "the “One-Gov” initiative is a landmark reform designed to ensure that government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies operate as one connected system, enabling better data sharing, transparency, and efficient service delivery". According to Dr. Chris, "the transition is more than a technological shift — it is an opportunity to modernize our internal processes, strengthen coordination, and improve how we deliver on our mandate to revitalize the steel sector".  The Permanent Secretary urged all staff to embrace the change with enthusiasm, adaptability and a commitment to excellence. He commended  the Honourable Minister for providing the strategic direction and support that made the launch possible as well as thanked the ICT team and all staff of the Ministry for their commitment and dedication in realizing the milestone.  Earlier, the representative of Galaxy Back Bone, Mr. Wumi, in his presentation, disclosed that by launching the Enterprise Content Management System and going Live on the 1-Gov Platform, the Ministry of Steel Development has fully automated its Standard Operation Procedure and have gone from paper to less paper and paperless. 

FG Deepens Efforts to Tackle Insecurity, as Ministers of Steel Development, Defence Sign MoU for Production of Military Hardware, Build Military Industrial Complex at Ajaokuta As part of its renewed commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and advancing national industrialisation objectives, the Federal Government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence to commence the local production of military hardware and build a Military Industrial Complex at the Ajaokuta Steel Territory in Kogi State. The MoU, which contained two key components, was signed between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development by the Honourable Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Federal Ministry of Defence, by the Honourable Minister of State, H.E. Bello Matawalle MON, and the second between Defense Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The partnership signals a new dawn for Nigeria’s industrial and security advancement. Prince Audu described the partnership as “a historic breakthrough and one of the most significant developments since the establishment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex nearly 50 years ago.” He explained that the collaboration will see the Engineering Workshops at Ajaokuta repurposed for the production of military equipment such as bullets, helmets, vests, and rifles, while a portion of land within the complex will be allocated to the Ministry of Defence for the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex. Prince Audu said that the agreement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s “Renewed Hope” Agenda, which prioritises national security, job creation, and industrial development through local production. “This initiative will greatly strengthen our security architecture and contribute to addressing the insecurity challenges facing various parts of the country, particularly in the North East and North West. By utilising the infrastructure at Ajaokuta, we are positioning Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in defence production and industrial growth,” Prince Audu said. In his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, MON, commended the collaboration as a bold and visionary step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He noted that the partnership demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to transform Nigeria from a consumer to a producer of military hardware by leveraging its natural resources and indigenous capacity. “Ajaokuta Steel Plant remains a national asset and the foundation of Nigeria’s industrialisation. This partnership is a strategic alliance between our defence and industrial sectors, reinforcing the President’s vision to enhance local productivity and build a stronger, safer Nigeria,” Matawalle stated. Also speaking, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Alaya, highlighted the importance of the agreement, noting that steel is the foundation of all military production. He added that the MoU would help both DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company reach new heights in producing indigenous military and security equipment. The signing ceremony was attended by the Managing Director of Ajaokuta, Prof. Nasir Naeem; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu; senior officials from both ministries; and private sector partners who produce defense equipments, including the Chairman/CEO of EPAIL, Mr. Kola Balogun, and the GMD/CEO of Proforce, Mr. Ade Ogundeyin.

MD/CEO North Central Development Commission and Management Team Pays Courtesy Visit to Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu …Seeks Collaboration with Ministry to Drive Regional Growth The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, received in audience the Managing Director/CEO of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, and the Executive Management team of the Commission, who paid him a courtesy in Abuja to discuss areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of the North Central region. Speaking during the visit, the MD/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said that the steel sector remains a critical pillar for the sustainable development of the North Central region. He noted that under the Act establishing the Commission, one of its core mandates is to harness the vast natural and mineral resources within the zone to drive inclusive growth and regional prosperity. Dr. Tsenyil stated that “We believe that we cannot drive meaningful development in the region without paying attention to the steel sector. There are many steel facilities that were started but are still lying fallow across the zone, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Jos Steel Rolling Mill, which are under the purview of your Ministry.  “As a development commission, we would like to collaborate with your ministry to rehabilitate these moribund facilities and harness the rich mineral resources, including rare earth minerals that can catalyse industrial growth in the region.” Dr. Tsenyil further highlighted that part of the Commission’s mandate includes improving railway connectivity across the zone, noting that steel and related raw materials are vital to achieving this objective.  He expressed optimism that technical collaboration with the Ministry would help unlock the region’s full economic potential. In his response, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended the NCDC for its proactive initiative and described the Commission as a critical institution for the transformation of the North Central geopolitical zone. He said the engagement was very important, especially as a Minister from the North Central region, adding that there are several areas where both institutions can collaborate and upscale synergy for the benefit of the people and the nation at large. Prince Audu reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the NCDC to implement joint initiatives that will accelerate industrialisation, create employment opportunities, and ensure sustainable utilisation of mineral resources for the benefit of Nigerians, especially those from the North Central geopolitical zone. Also in attendance at the meeting were other Executive Directors of the Commission, including Princess Atika Ajanah, Executive Director, Projects; Hajia Biliquis Jumoke Sanni, Executive Director, Administration and Human Resources; Aisha Rufai Ibrahim, Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial Development; Prof. Muhammad Bashar, Executive Director, Finance; and Mr. James Uloko, Executive Director, Corporate Services.