Mar

21

2024

MINISTRY OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTED TO DELIVER ON MANDATE- MINISTER

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has assured Nigerians of the Ministry’s commitment to deliver on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Key Priority of growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country for sustainable economic and infrastructural greatness through the Steel Sector.

The Minister gave this assurance while delivering his keynote address at the 2-Day Ministerial Management Retreat Organised by the Ministry to chart a course for achieving its Presidential Priorities held on Thursday 21st- Friday, 22nd of March, 2024 in Abuja.

According to him, the reviewed Presidential 8-Key Priorities has the Steel Sector as focal point for driving the economic development of the country. “A critical evaluation of the eight (8) Point Agenda suggests the critical place of the Steel sector in the realization of these goals especially in the areas of industrialization, manufacturing and unlocking the natural resources potentials of the country”.

Speaking further, Prince Audu, while giving an overview of the steel industry from conceptualization in 1958, stated that despite the ugly history of Steel Development in Nigeria in the past four decades, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has shown willingness to address the protracted challenges facing the industry. According to him, the creation of Ministry of Steel will give direct focus to the sector for it to become the bedrock of industrialization of the Nigeria economy.

In his remarks, the Minister of State of the Ministry, His Excellency, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, stated that the Retreat will afford the Management Staff the opportunity to dissect each of the eight key priorities of the administration and explore ways to translate them into actionable strategies for the Ministry.

He noted that the retreat will offer the valuable opportunity to: Deeply understand how each of the eight priorities intersects with the steel industry; Develop a comprehensive Roadmap that will align to the Ministry’s strategies with the Eight Presidential Priority areas; Identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress and ensure accountability; Formulate Actionable Plans with realistic timelines and resource allocation for each priority area; Foster collaboration between the Ministry, the National Assembly, and stakeholders across the industry, among others.

He urged members to actively participate, share insights, and engage in constructive dialogue, open discussions, brainstorming sessions, adding that participants should use the opportunity to make a tangible difference for the steel industry and for the nation.

Delivering her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development/Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, stated that the theme of the retreat, “Delivering on the Eight Presidential Priorities,” aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s goal of ensuring the optimal utilization of the country’s steel resources for the overall benefit of the nation and its citizens. She implores participants to actively engage in the deliberations and contribute constructively towards charting a path forward for the steel industry that will propel the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Steel Development, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, reiterated the importance of the Ministerial Management Retreat as it offers an avenue for stakeholders to brainstorm, propose as well as propound ways to move the sector forward and harness the benefits for economic development of the country.

Earlier, in his goodwill message, Chairman, House Committee on Steel Development, Dr. Zainab Gimbal, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Umar Datti, stated that the House Committee attaches great significance to the development of the steel sector, as it would provide about five thousand (5000) direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians when optimally developed.

Mar

05

2024

SKILL ACQUISITION CRITICAL FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT- MAIGARI AHMADU

The Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, His Excellency Uba Maigari Ahmadu has stated that the promotion of skill acquisition is essential in propelling the industry forward, enhance human capital for economic growth, create employment opportunities as well as strengthen the Continent’s industrial fabric.

The Honourable Minister made this statement on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024 at the 2nd Annual Assembly and International Welding Federation Africa Conference holding in Lagos, Nigeria.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Minister stated that the Conference represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to promote excellence and innovation in the field of welding across the African continent that will enhance advanced welding technologies, foster collaboration and drive sustainable development in the region as well as promote knowledge exchange and best practices in the industry.

According to him, it was in recognition of the importance of the future of welding in Africa for industrial and economic growth that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, launched the National Welding Policy in 2023.

He stated that: “I am reminded of the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and his steadfast commitment to advancing the welding sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 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”.

Speaking further, Ahmadu disclosed that the Metallurgical Training Institute NMTI Onitsha, an institution dedicated to equipping youths with the requisite skills and knowledge in welding and metallurgy has a pivotal role to play in achieving excellence in welding education as it offers state-of-the-art facilities, world-class training programmes with expert faculty members, adding that through its innovative curriculum and hands-on learning approach, the institute is empowering youths with the practical skills and technical expertise needed to excel in the welding profession.

The Minister assured of the Nigerian Government’s firm commitment to work hand-in-hand with Welding Federation Africa to explore partnerships in the areas of: Modernizing welding training infrastructure with cutting-edge technology and equipment; Developing industry-aligned curriculum that equips graduates with the skills demanded by the modern workforce; Establishing international certification programmes to ensure the quality and mobility of our welding professionals; Investing in targeted outreach programmes to encourage young Nigerians, particularly women and those in underserved communities, to pursue careers in welding; Promoting the economic viability of the welding profession by creating attractive career paths and offering competitive compensation, among others.

He commended the Welding Federation Africa for its tireless efforts in promoting excellence and collaboration in welding across Africa and urged stakeholders to seize the opportunities afforded by the Conference to forge partnerships, share knowledge, and chart a course towards advancement of welding and joining science for a safer and prosperous future for the welding industry in Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Abba Rimi, represented by Director Industrial Development, Muhammad Bala, stated that the the Ministry is committed towards implementing Strategic Policies to enhance the fabrication of machineries and equipment, aligning with the evolving landscape of materials manufacturing technologies. Adding that the theme, “Materials Manufacturing Technologies: Managing Capacity in Africa,” deeply reflects the essence of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to manage and expand manufacturing capacity within Africa.

He revealed that the Ministry has entrusted the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) with a strategic order, aimed at prioritizing and expediting welding skills development initiatives, stating that the ITF, is dedicated to stimulating skills, improving productivity, and fostering value-added production. He enjoined the Welding Federation (TWF) to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in order to access funds, noting that by joining forces, stakeholders can collectively address the pressing issue of the skills gap in welding-related industries in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Welding Federation (TWF) Conference Management Committee, Dr. Austen Timi Peters stated that the Federation, fully developed will shore up Forex and contribute to the growth of the economy, stating that, developing welding skills “can take unemployed youths off the streets”.

Other speakers at the event includ; the Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association (PETAN); President, Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); President, international Institute of Welding with Delegates from all over Africa.

Jan

11

2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES BRIEF ON $10 BILLION INVESTMENT PROSPECTS IN NIGERIA’S STEEL SECTOR

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, at the State House in Abuja, held a meeting with the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, during which he received briefing on investment prospects in the steel sector.

The President emphasized that a revitalized steel development industry is both a catalyst for robust economic growth and a doorway to immense opportunities for Nigeria’s massive pool of talented entrepreneurs.

“We will remain unyielding in our determination to build a Nigeria where every citizen has an equal opportunity to prosper and achieve their dreams. New investments in steel production will spur the growth of so many sectors. Industrialization will be a reality in our country with sufficient energy and steel. Nigerian steel will undergird our economy and other economies in our region in future years. I am glad that members of my cabinet have adopted my approach to attracting new investments and job opportunities for our people. Hard work is the only true pathway. We will not relent,” the President stated.

The Ministers informed the President of their discussions with a Chinese company, Luan Steel Holding Group, to build a new steel plant in Nigeria, as well as to commence the production of military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

A delegation led by the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Steel Development had visited Hefei and Guangzhou regions of China to hold business talks with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr Wang Jianbing; the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr Xiao Weizhan, and other senior executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.

The Chinese company is expected to invest billions of dollars in Nigeria to build the new steel plant.

The Minister of Steel Development briefed the President, following his approval to restart the Light Steel Mill (LSM) section of Ajaokuta Steel Complex for the production of iron rods, on the progress made on restarting the section, which will cost N35 billion at the first stage.

The Minister said several financial institutions had already provided offer letters for this transaction and that the project is expected to create up to 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.

The Minister of Steel Development also informed the President of discussions with the representatives of Jindal Steel Group of India.

Jindal Steel Group had indicated interest in investing up to $5 billion in a new steel plant in Nigeria on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in New Delhi, India, in September, 2023, and is now considering to either acquire existing plants or set up greenfield plants.

According to the Minister, upon the completion of these deals, about $10 billion worth of new investments in both new and existing steel plants in Nigeria will be established, which will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the steel industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for massive job creation through industrialization.

Nov

23

2023

MINISTRY OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS NIPC ON REVIVAL OF NMTI/NSRMEA

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration and in achieving its mandate of ensuring that the nation’s Steel Sector contribute to the sustainable development of the economy and grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Ministry of Steel Development is to collaborate with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for the development of the sector in general and the Revitalization and Operationalization of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) Kaduna and the National Metallurgical Institute, Onitsha.

This was disclosed by the Honourable Minister of State, Ministry of Steel Development, His Excellency, Uba Maigari Ahmadu when he played host to the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi in the Ministry’s Headquarters on Thursday, 23rd November, 2023 in Abuja.

He enumerated the areas of collaboration to include among others: Organizing local and international investment fora for relevant stakeholders to showcase the full potentials of the NMTI with the view of attracting investments and funding for modernizing and upgrading the institute’s facilities, curriculum, and training programs to meet industry international best standards and demand; Develop Policy Reforms and incentives that would be inclusive but not limited to legal, governance, finance tax incentives, and regulatory reforms that would reposition the institute to contribute more meaningfully to national manpower and infrastructure development.

The Minister listed more areas of collaboration to include: Identifying local and international multilateral, multinational, Institutional and venture capitalists who can inject technical and financial capital into revitalizing the institute and position it as a center of excellence for metallurgical training and skills development; Establishing a PPP (Public Private Partnership) framework for the revival of NMTI that would involve engaging with private sector stakeholders, such as steel companies, mining firms, and educational institutions, to form partnerships aimed at modernizing the institute and aligning its training programs with industry.

Continuing, he identified areas of partnership with NIPC for NSRMEA to comprise: Accelerating Investment interest from both Local and International Investments in Exploration Projects, with special interest in steel raw materials such as Iron ore, Manganese, Coal, Refractory, Limestone, through establishing partnerships with mining companies and exploration firms; Organizing targeted investor outreach programmes to engage potential investors interested in supporting the exploration and development of steel raw materials as well as Advocating for Policy Reforms and incentives to encourage private sector investment in raw materials exploration.

Additionally, the Minister disclosed that, Niger Extraction Company Ltd, a Nigerian Company registered to undertake mining and steel development has sent in a proposal for the establishment of a $300m Steel Plant in Niger State, a development which according to him, indicates that the Steel Sector is set to take off and deliver on its mandate.

Maigari Ahmadu expressed the Ministry’s willingness to leverage on the expertise and networks of NIPC, noting that the collaborative efforts of both Organisations would help attract private sector investment, modernize exploration techniques, and enhance the capacity of NMTI and NSRMEA to fulfill their mandates.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development/Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, while expressing optimism that the collaboration between the Ministry of Steel Development and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission is a step in the right direction, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensure the goals set during the deliberations are achieved. She added that it was time the Steel Sector brought the needed prosperity to the people of Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary proposed the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) with members drawn from the Ministry of Steel Development and NIPC, with the sector specific experts who will develop a framework that will enhance the development of the sector on a general scale and the National Metallurgical Institute, Onitsha and National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) Kaduna,
specifically.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi stated that the Commission’s mandate is to provide assistance to investors seeking to enter the and those that are already in the country. She disclosed that NIPC has extensive and robust Departments that assist in carrying out adequate care and after care for investment and investors.

Rimi assured of the Commission’s commitment to ensure all assistance is given to the Steel Sector to promote direct foreign investment into the country.

Sep

20

2023

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY THE MINISTER OF STEEL, PRINCE SHAIBU ABUBAKAR AUDU AS DG, APC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FOR KOGI 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Today marked a momentous occasion in my political journey as I received the tremendous honor of being appointed as the Director General for the Ododo/ Joel Gubernatorial Campaign Council by the esteemed All Progressives Congress (APC).

This appointment carries with it a weighty responsibility, one that I humbly accept with utmost dedication and enthusiasm.

As we stand on the threshold of a critical election, scheduled for November 11, 2023, I am fully aware of the significance of our mission.

Our primary objective is crystal clear: to secure a resounding victory for our beloved party, the APC. To achieve this, we are ready to roll up our sleeves, leave no stone unturned, and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the task at hand.

This campaign is not just about politics; it’s about the people we represent and their aspirations for a better future. We will strive to connect with every citizen in the Ododo/Joel constituency, listening to their concerns, and crafting policies that truly reflect their needs and desires.

Our campaign team is comprised of dedicated and passionate individuals who share a common vision of progress, development, and prosperity for our region.

Together, we will harness our collective strengths, expertise, and unwavering commitment to steer the course towards success.

In the coming months, we will embark on a journey that demands resilience, creativity, and unity.

We will engage in constructive dialogue with the electorate, present our well-thought-out policies, and work tirelessly to earn their trust and support.

I am profoundly grateful to the APC for entrusting me with this pivotal role, and I promise to honor this trust by giving my all to this campaign. With the support of our party members, volunteers, and the good people of Ododo/Joel, I am confident that together, we can achieve victory on November 11, 2023, and bring about the positive change our constituency so rightly deserves.

Apr

26

2024

AJAOKUTA STEEL: MINISTER OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT ENGAGES RUSSIA’S TPE CONSORTIUM ON REVIVAL

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has engaged a consortium led by the original developers of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Tyamzhpromexport (TPE), to revive the steel plant.

The Honourable Minister, who met with the consortium comprising a team from Russia’s TPE/Rostec, Novostal, and Nigeria’s Proforce in his office on Thursday, 25th April 2024 in Abuja, urged them to put together a blueprint for the revival of the Steel Plant within the shortest possible time.

This, he says, is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which is keen on ensuring the production of steel in the country and industrialising Nigeria through the Steel Sector before the end of his first term in office.

The Honourable Minister Audu said following the meeting, he intends to visit Moscow on a formal invitation from TPE and other consortium partners to engage in further discussions to secure funding to the tune of about $2 billion, which is required for the revival of the entire steel plant.

The Honourable Minister thanked the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria for facilitating the meeting with the TPE Consortium, which, if gotten right, will be a monumental success in driving Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation.

Mr. Sergei Egorov, General Director of TPE and leader of the Consortium commended the Honourable Minister for the steps he has taken so far in putting together the Consortium for the resuscitation of the steel plant, which has been moribund for years.

Egorov and his team of technical experts, who had earlier gone on a tour of the Steel Complex a few days earlier, noted that the plant was still in a state of possible resuscitation, indicating their interest in putting together a business case for the government.

“We came with our technical experts and are quite impressed at the current state of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. We would do a full technical audit of the plant and then take a final decision”.

“We are happy to come on board the resuscitation of the steel plant for the benefit of Nigerians,” Egorov said.

Mr. Valery Shaposhnikov, Deputy Head of the Russian Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, also commended the potential partnership, which he says would be carefully reviewed for the mutual benefit of both countries.

He expressed optimism in the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to revive Ajaokuta, adding that this is the first time since the Shehu Shagari Administration in 1979 that a Nigerian government is showing great political will in getting the Steel Plant operational again.

Mar

06

2024

FG TO COMMENCE PRODUCTION OF MILITARY HARDWARES IN AJAOKUTA AS STEEL, DEFENCE MINISTRIES SET TO SIGN MOU

The Federal Government has taken steps to begin the production of military hardwares in the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, as the Ministries of Steel Development and Defence are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation.

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of State, Defence, His Excellency Dr. Bello Matawalle disclosed this after a meeting on Wednesday, at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja.

According to Prince Audu, the collaborations between both Ministries under his leadership and the Ministers of Defence will bring to fruition the vision of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR geared at reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex for steel production for several purposes, including military hardwares.

The Minister of Steel Development said that the Ajaokuta Steel complex has various engineering workshops with the capacity to produce hardwares for the military under the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.

“Today is a day that we have all waited for under the renewed hope agenda with the coming to fruition of a partnership between both ministries, the Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence.

“There are a number of things we have agreed on, including signing an MoU so that DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited can partner to produce military hardwares such as rifles, vests, helmets, and bullets, among other things, in the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

“Ajaokuta has the facility to also accommodate a military barracks. There are over 10,000 housing units in Ajaoukuta, of which only 3,000 to 4,000 are occupied.

“We will put together a quality Memorandum of Understanding that will be well implemented, and we are confident of the outcomes," Audu said.

In his remarks, the Minister of State, Defence, said that all that has been agreed upon for the production of military hardwares and a Military Industrial Complex in Ajaokuta was in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.

Metawalle further assured Nigerians of the soon-to-be take-off of the Ajaokuta steel complex in maximum capacity, as he encouraged local partners to come on board.

Metawalle said that “today, we have agreed on so many things, including the review of the MoU signed in 2020 between DICON and the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), which would now be between both ministries (government to government).

“Both Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries will come up with a draft agreement, and we will have continuous and regular meetings so that great ideas can be put together in the agreement.".

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, lauded both ministers for their commitments towards the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

Ogbe also assured the ministers of their support as civil servants to their political will.

“If we have a common goal, we can achieve it. Nothing will make Nigerians happier than to see Ajaokuta come to light again.

On a similar note, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana described the meeting as a landmark achievement which would bring forth monumental development to the steel industry and Defence architecture of the country.

Kana said that all hands would be on deck to actualize the agreement for the eventual production of military hardwares in Ajaokuta steel complex, and the establishment of a military industrial complex in Ajaokuta.

Feb

29

2024

FG GEARED TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT IN STEEL SECTOR

The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to improve the country’s economy and grow the Gross Domestic Product through the Steel Sector, by ensuring it establish a sustainable research system for the development of the sector.

Prince Audu who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary A Ogbe made this known during his Working Visit to the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, Plateau State between Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th February, 2024.

The Minister while emphasizing the need for research in the steel industry, noted that the Sector can only be kept in position to serve its manifold purposes through determined searching and probing that would lead to discovery and improvement products and services in the steel sector. He disclosed that:

“The National Metallurgical Development Centre is not just a historical asset, it is a strategic research engine for the nation’s steel industry. This is because no nation can really develop without the development of its steel industry, and pivotal to the development of the steel industry is Research”.

Also, he disclosed that the Centre’s mandate to offer research and development inputs necessary for the development of the mining, minerals and allied sectors, with specific focus on the steel industry in Nigeria is very strategic, noting that the center is the only one of its kind in the West African sub-region with integrated facilities to carry out mineral evaluation, metallurgical processes, adaption and improvement, mineral and metal testing and environmental pollution studies. He added that the center has the capacity to proactively support the growth of the nation’s economy by developing local capacities along the mineral value chain activities, given the right impetus.

Speaking further, Prince Audu revealed that the Research & Development of NMDC activities will be geared towards the domestication of Research findings into productive Small and Medium Scale ventures, as according to him, SMEs are the micro drivers of the economy, noting that going forward, the Centre shall undertake targeted research projects that aims to solve existing industry needs, so as to enable us utilize locally, the various metallurgical raw materials that Nigeria is endowed with.

He tasked members and staff of the Centre to work together to reposition the Steel and other Metals Sector to attain its pride of place as the bedrock of industrialization and implored them to renew their commitment, drive, focus, and dedication towards supporting the Ministry to actualize its mandates.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary A. Ogbe enjoined the staff to be disciplined and adhere to rules in the discharge of their duties and ensure they work as a team to promote the National Metallurgical Development Centre for optimal productivity.

Earlier, the Director General of the National Metallurgical Development Centre Prof. Linus Asuquo, reiterating that without research Steel can not roll, noting that the Research Centre is a unique Agency in the Steel and Metals Sector that its activities are crucial in value addition and development processes in the entire Steel processing chain, from exploration to extraction and to fabrication.

Prof. Asuquo while reeling out the numerous achievements of the Centre as well as some of its challenges, expressed optimism that with the leadership of the Ministers and Permanent Secretary, the NMDC would become a Centre of Excellence in Minerals and Metals Research that will be at par with other Steel Research Centres in the world.

In a related development, the Honourable Minister during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang stated that the purpose for the visit to the State was to get an on-the-spot assessment of the National Metallurgical Development Centre in order to ascertain its challenges and opportunities and proper possible solutions that will ensure that the research Centre operate at full capacity as well as seek collaboration with the Plateau State Government in reviving the Jos Steel Rolling Mill now known as the Zuma Steel Rolling Mill in the State. He added that the Ministry is committed towards fulfilling its mandate of revitalising the Steel Sector for the benefit of Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Caleb Mutftwang assured of the State willingness to synergise with the Federal Government in reviving the Steel Sector for the growth of the economy. He stated that the State would directly benefit from the revival of the Steel Sector as according to him, the Jos Steel Rolling Mill when in full operation will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the teeming Jos citizens.

The Honourable Minister during the working visit to Jos, Plateau State, also paid a courtesy visit to the Gbong Gworm Jos as well as had a facility tour of the Zuma Steel Rolling Mill.

Dec

05

2023

MSD SYNERGISE WITH IBTC, UBA, VODA INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT LTD TO KICK-START IRON ROD PRODUCTION IN AJAOKUTA

The Ministry of Steel Development in furtherance to achieving its mandate of reviving the Steel Sector, improving industrialization in the country, diversify the economy, provide jobs for the teeming youths and grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is collaborating with Financial Institutions, for best financing options to re-start the light Steel Mill in Ajaokuta.

The Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu revealed this when he played host to the MD/CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Tuesday, 5th of December, 2023 in Abuja.

He noted that it has become imperative to seek funding of about N35bn to enable it re-start the Light Mill Section of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant for the production of iron rod to achieve the Present Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the Ministry plan to revive Ajaokuta in phases in accordance with its set timelines and benchmark.

Prince Audu, speaking further disclosed that the Ministry already has an existing agreement with the Federal Ministry of Works to be off-takers of the rod produced as well as with the Ministry of Defence to build a Military Complex in Ajaokuta, adding, “we have huge opportunities in Ajaokuta and potentially a lot can be achieved”.

Earlier, the CEO, Stanbic Bank, Wole Adeniyi, who was represented by Head, Industrials, Debola Seriki, while stating the Banks willingness to partner with the Ministry, enjoined the Ministry to provide more details for their consideration towards realizing the project.

In the same vein, the Honourable Minister met with top Management of UBA and Voda Infrastructure Management Ltd with a view to ensuring that funds are raised for the immediate take off of the project for sustainable development of the Steel Sector.

Oct

04

2023

FG COMMITTED TO REVITALISE AJAOKUTA FOR INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION- PRINCE AUDU

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that Ajaokuta Steel Plant begin production for the industrialization of the country, create jobs and wealth as well as attract foreign direct investment.

The Hon. Minister who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, on a 3-day working visit, made this known during his maiden tour of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant on Wednesday 4th of October, 2023 in Kogi State.

Prince Audu revealed that the Ministry of Steel Development is working on a Road Map that will contain a 3-Year Revival Plan for the Revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant as well as contain recommendation to designate the Plant Area as an Industrial Park that would be a Free Trade Zone to attract local and international investors.

He noted that in line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration is committed to ensure that the Steel Plant which has been moribund for about 45 years is resuscitated and begin production before the end of it’s tenure, noting that the Plant when revived, would be beneficial to all as it will create about 500 thousand jobs for the teeming Nigeria youths.

Speaking further, Prince Audu stated that the purpose of the facility visit was to ascertain the operational and none operational level of the Plant and make recommendations on how to turn the Plant around to begin to production, noting that production of steel sheets from the Ajaokuta Steel Plant would be a significant achievement for the administration, a feat that has not been achieved in over 45 years.

The Hon. Minister disclosed that though the task to get the Plant running is an arduous one, he solicited the support of all stakeholders, stating that with the support and sincerity of purpose of all stakeholders, success would be achieved.

In his welcome address, the Sole Administrator, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Engr. Sumaila Abdul-Akab, said the working visit would afford the Minister and Permanent Secretary first- hand information and investment opportunities that abound in the Plant.

Engr. Sumaila noted that the benefits that would accrue from the completed and operationalised Plant cannot be overemphasized, stating that the nation’s revenue generation from the project, when completed, commissioned and operational will have a huge impact on the accruals to the Federation Account as well as help galvanize development in Kogi as the host State and Nigeria in general.

Aug

29

2023

FG COMMITS TO INSURANCE COVERAGE -UNVEILS OVERHAULING STRATEGY FOR NIGERIA’S STEEL SECTOR REVIVAL

The Federal Government through the newly created Ministry of Steel Development has taken significant steps towards rejuvenating the nation’s steel sector by announcing a comprehensive insurance coverage for all ongoing steel projects within the country.

The Hon. Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu made this declaration during a crucial meeting with key agencies under the Ministry. These are namely- Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited; National Iron -Ore Mining Company, Itakpe; National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency; Metalurgical Training Institute and National Metallurgical Development Center, Jos.

During the interface with the DGs of Agencies, Prince Audu explained that the deliberate policy of the present administration to introduce insurance coverage for steel projects is a critical step to mitigate the risks and uncertainties inherent in large scale developmental endeavors.

The Hon. Minister further stated that by providing this insurance coverage, the government aims to foster an environment that is conducive to attracting investments in to the steel sector, securing financing and expediting the successful completion of various steel related initiatives across the country.

To this end, Prince Audu noted that to ensure a structured successful implementation of this policy, the Ministry would outline a comprehensive two- year activation plan- adding, the strategic plan is designed to catalyze the revival of all steel associated interventions: Which underscored a steadfast commitment to achieving tangible progress within stipulated timeframe.

Continuing, the Hon. Minister for Steel Development affirmed that the journey towards revitalizing the steel sector is beyond insurance coverage. He said: “the government has devised a comprehensive overhauling strategy to tackle the multi- faceted challenges impeding the sector’s growth. Central to this strategy is the optimization of skilled labour and enhancing security measures to ensure safe and productive working atmosphere”.

While citing other indices for solutions, Prince Audu listed them to include- the rehabilitation of the rail infrastructure connecting the Itakpe and Ajaokuta Steel Complexes; a functioning rail network for transportation of raw materials and finished products. This, the Hon. Minister noted, has the potentials to significantly boost the operational efficiency of these complexes, thereby positively influencing the entire street value chain.