MINISTER OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT, PRINCE SHUAIBU ABUBAKAR AUDU, COMMISSIONS GALVANISING STEEL PLANT IN LAGOS …Hails African Industries Group for commitment to investing in the Nigerian steel sector. …Says President Tinubu committed to reviving Steel Sector before end of his Administration The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, commissioned the Orbit Galvanising Steel Industries Limited and Orbit Fabrication Works Limited located in Lagos State, a milestone project under the African Industries Group (AIG), describing the project as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s galvanising and steel fabrication sub-sector. The commissioning of the galvanised steel plant forms part of the Honourable Minister’s working visit to Lagos, where he is engaging with key private sector players in the steel industry, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to foster private sector participation in driving economic growth. Prince Audu commended the African Industries Group for its commitment to investing in the Nigerian steel sector to advance local manufacturing, create jobs, and economic sustainability which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, noting that Orbit fabrication has the capacity to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of fabricated towers annually which brings the combined annual production capacity of all tower fabrication companies in nigeria to around 200,000 metric tons per annum. The Minister highlighted the administration’s proactive policies on local content, industrial expansion, and import substitution as key enablers to the success of the project, reiterating the commitment of the Federal Government to reviving the steel sector of the country before the end of the current administration. “This plant which is a pioneer achievement of the African Industries Group in the galvanising sub-sector, has further reinforced the group’s commitment to investing in the Nigerian steel sector with a focus on local manufacturing of different steel products through backward integration for the overall economic development of the country. “In recognition of the importance of galvanized steel products to multiple projects across different industries and the overall economic development of Nigeria, the Federal Government graciously granted concessionary import duties to importance of Galvenised steel products prior to the establishment of this plant. “One of the principal tasks before my ministry under the administration of his Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is to create an enabling environment for local investments and ensure that there is a level playing field. “The commissioning of this project today is a testament to the efforts of the current administration to rejuvinate the steel sector of the Nigerian economy and i enjoin other prospective investors to emulate African Industries Group,” Prince Audu stated. Mr. Rajah Gupta, one of the Directors of AIG, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Company, reaffirmed AIG’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria. He emphasized that AIG, which has operated in Nigeria for over 54 years, remains dedicated to positioning the country among the elite group of nations that produce and export crude steel. “We have made the largest non-oil foreign direct investment in Nigeria, specifically in the steel and mining sectors. To date, the Group has invested over $600 million in an iron-Ore mine for steel production in Gujeni, Kaduna State and is currently producing iron and steel from locally sourced iron ore. Very soon, we will begin exporting locally manufactured BRI (Basic Raw Iron) to other countries,” Mr. Gupta stated. He further explained that the company’s manufacturing strategy is driven by the goal of import substitution—transforming local raw materials into finished goods, thereby conserving foreign exchange for the nation. As part of his official engagements, the Honourable Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Government, where he was warmly received by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat. During the visit, Prince Audu informed the Deputy Governor of his intention to tour steel facilities in the state to better understand the challenges faced by private sector players and explore ways the government can support them. “We are here to seek continued collaboration and support from the Lagos State Government. More importantly, we aim to work harmoniously with the state, considering that over 60% of private steel investors are based in the Lagos and Ogun axis. “This partnership is crucial, and I commend both you and the Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for your dedication to implementing the Lagos State Development Plan. Lagos is not only a mega city, it is one of Africa’s top 5 economies and plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s overall economic growth. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid a clear development blueprint for Lagos, and your administration has carried that vision forward with excellence,” Prince Audu said. In response, the Deputy Governor thanked the Minister for his visit and expressed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Ministry, particularly in addressing the concerns of steel companies operating within the state.

NIGERIA, SOUTH AFRICA SIGN PACT ON MINING DEVELOPMENT In a bid to solidify the partnership fostered through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission—recently inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa—the Ministers of Solid Minerals of both nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining key areas of cooperation, complete with implementation timelines. During a bilateral meeting at his office in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake hosted South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, H.E. Gwede Mantashe. Dr. Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the vital mining sector. Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, Alake noted the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development. He stressed that collaboration in the mining sector offers vast opportunities for industrialization, job creation, and sustainable growth across the continent. “The Memorandum of Understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today,” Alake stated, “will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition.” Key Highlights of the MoU Include: Capacity building in geological applications using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Utilization of Multi- and Hyper-spectral Remote Sensing Technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping Sharing of geoscientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) Training on mineral processing and value addition Capacity Building on Elemental Fingerprint Technology using LA-ICP-MS Exploration of Agro and Energy Minerals In Nigeria   Alake emphasized Nigeria’s renewed focus on developing its mining industry, stating that South Africa could benefit from Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth, while Nigeria could tap into South Africa’s advanced mining expertise. This synergy, he said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification. In his remarks, H.E. Gwede Mantashe affirmed that South Africa—where mining plays a central role in the economy—stands to gain from Nigeria’s revitalized interest in the sector. He added that his visit aimed to fine-tune agreements from the Bi-National Commission and to deepen collaboration on mutually beneficial projects with Nigeria’s Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU. They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries. The MoU signing was attended by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by H.E. Gwede Mantashe.

MINISTER OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT, PRINCE SHUAIBU ABUBAKAR AUDU, PRESENTS LETTER OF APPOINTMENT TO THE NEW MD OF AJAOKUTA STEEL COMPANY The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Monday, April 7, 2025, officially received the newly appointed Managing Director of the  Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam and presented him with his appointment letter following the handover by the former Acting Sole Administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph, to the new leadership. Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, Prince Audu expressed confidence in Prof. Abdulsalam’s ability to lead Ajaokuta Steel Company in alignment with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the revival of the moribund steel plant. The Minister also extended his appreciation to the outgoing Acting Sole Administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph, commending his dedication to duty all through his almost 35 years of service at the Steel Plant where he rose from an entry level engineer to the healm of affairs at the Steel Plant as acting Sole Administrator in the last six months. “I congratulate the newly appointed Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, a seasoned academician and Professor of Geophysics and someone well-acquainted with the steel sector, having served as my Technical Adviser prior to this appointment. “Reviving Ajaokuta Steel Plant is a collective project. It is not something the Minister, Permanent Secretary, or Managing Director can achieve alone. All hands must be on deck as it requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to realise Mr. President’s vision for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the broader steel sector. “I assure you that the revival of Ajaokuta Steel and the entire Steel Sector is well underway. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in Moscow, Russia in September last year, we are on the verge of carrying out the technical and financial audit of the Complex and other critical processes so as to bring in investors and suitors from the various options available through a privatization process as directed by Mr. President. Our role is to consolidate these gains and present viable options for Mr. President’s approval. “I wish you Godspeed as we work together towards the successful revival of Ajaokuta Steel Plant,” Prince Audu stated. Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokponwu, also congratulated Prof. Abdulsalam on his appointment, urging him to prepare for the enormous task ahead while assuring him of the Ministry’s full support. “It will not be an easy task; you are facing a challenge of over 45 years. The good news is that you have a Minister who is fully committed to the success of Ajaokuta’s revival,” Dr. Isokponwu stated. In his response, Prof. Abdulsalam expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with this significant responsibility and thanked the Honourable Minister for his support and collaborative spirit. He also commended the Minister for the remarkable strides taken in less than two years in office and also giving him the opportunity to serve as his Technical Adviser prior to his appointment, stating that the groundwork laid by the Minister has positioned him for success. “Our fundamental goal is to work together to realise Mr. President’s vision for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Plant. I am fully prepared to deliver on this mandate with the support of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire team at the Ministry of Steel Development. I pray and I am confident that Ajaokuta will come alive in our time,” Prof. Abdulsalam stated. The outgoing Acting Sole Administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph, praised the Minister’s decision to engage the original builders of the steel plant, describing it as the most strategic move in his 35 years of service at Ajaokuta. He noted that if this step had been taken earlier, the steel plant would have been revived long ago.