Abuja: The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has emphasized the importance of Nigeria's metallurgical sector in achieving industrial self-reliance, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. Audu made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 40th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister highlighted that Nigeria is endowed with over 44 distinct mineral resources distributed across the country. However, the nation's heavy reliance on oil has impeded the full development of its vast mineral and industrial potential. Audu explained that the metallurgical sector serves as the bridge between mineral extraction and industrial production, laying the groundwork for manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and national defense.
"Metallurgy is not just a technical discipline; it is the foundation upon which industrial capacity, technological advancement, and national competitiveness are built. The expertise and commitment of metallurgists will determine how efficiently and sustainably we convert our natural endowments into economic prosperity," Audu stated.
The minister enumerated key achievements of the ministry, including the ongoing revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in Itakpe. He recalled that the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the original builders of Ajaokuta in 2024 as part of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to operationalize the complex, and mentioned engaging new partners, including Chinese firms, to expedite progress.
Additionally, the ministry has developed a 10-year Steel Industry Roadmap with the World Bank and international experts to guide the sector's revival and modernization. Efforts are also underway to establish scrap metal collation and recycling centers starting in Ogun, promoting a circular economy and cleaner raw materials for steel plants. Furthermore, the ministry is working on localizing the iron ore supply chain to reduce import dependence, aiming to save over $1 billion annually and achieve a production target of 10 million tonnes of liquid steel by 2030.
Audu emphasized the goal of building a self-sufficient industrial base that would create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs and significantly reduce foreign dependence. He noted strengthening collaboration with the private sector, citing major investments by Inner Galaxy Group, African Industries Group, and KAM Industries as examples of growing confidence in Nigeria's steel industry.
The minister also announced signing an MoU with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for local military hardware production using facilities at Ajaokuta, describing it as a strategic step towards national security and industrial independence. Efforts are also focused on promoting green steel production, establishing a National Metallurgical Testing Laboratory, and enhancing human capital development through training and retraining of metallurgical engineers and technicians.
Prince Shuaibu Audu urged members of the Nigerian Metallurgical Society to continue bridging the gap between research and industrial application while upholding professional ethics and mentoring young metallurgists. He stressed that unlocking Nigeria's mineral wealth requires coordinated efforts from regulators, researchers, and investors, stating, "The time for rhetoric is past; the time for action, innovation, and synergy is now."
The minister congratulated the leadership and members of the Nigerian Metallurgical Society for successfully hosting their 40th Annual Conference, reaffirming the government's commitment to transforming Nigeria's mineral endowment into sustainable industrial wealth.
Mr. Bege Gaiya, Executive Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, highlighted the need for government control over mining activities to reduce environmental degradation, community conflicts, and illegal operations by artisanal miners. He urged the Federal Government to implement oversight in the solid minerals sector akin to the oil industry to boost Nigeria's GDP and enhance national security.
Earlier, Dr. Fidelis Achiv, National President of NMS, outlined the society's annual conference goals of fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders and promoting value addition in mineral exploration. He lamented Nigeria's revenue loss from exporting raw minerals without processing, advocating for stronger government involvement, miner education, and private sector partnerships to ensure local mineral processing before export.
Dr. Achiv also stressed the need to revive and modernize the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing it as a vital asset capable of transforming Nigeria's industrial base if concessioned to credible investors.