Minister of Steel Development, Prince Audu Commissions National Steel Council Headquarters, Abuja
…As FG engages Pioneer Skilled-Sector Experts for immediate operations
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, officially commissioned the headquarters of the National Steel Council in Abuja. An event which marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
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Delivering his remarks, Prince Audu said that the commissioning of the National Steel Council headquarters was more than a symbolic event but a definitive step toward institutionalising reforms and reclaiming Nigeria’s industrial future.
The Honourable Minister highlighted that, as part of efforts to kick-start the sector’s immediate revival in line with the Council’s mandate, pioneer technical experts have been engaged to lead the operational framework of the agency. A move he noted reflects the federal government’s commitment to job creation under the Renewed Hope agenda.
“For decades, the Nigerian steel industry, a sector meant to be a backbone of our industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation, has languished in dormancy despite past investments and repeated varication policies.
“This singular act of reconstituting the National Steel Council is a deliberate precondition to the endeavour. This gave the reasons for the engagement of pioneer skilled-sector staff.
“The repositioning of the National Steel Council revival is not optional but an economic imperative. Nigeria spends over $4 billion dollars importing steel annually, funds that should have been fuelling local industries and creating jobs. Nevertheless, the ministry and this council have shown tenacity in finding new and better initiatives to further this sector through an informed and veritable roadmap that we have deliberately attuned to the renewed government policies,” Prince Audu said.
The Honourable Minister charged the National Steel Council to act as the engine room of the Ministry by driving technical policy, regulatory enforcement, and investment attraction, reeling out three critical mandates for the Council: Collaborate with the ministry to streamline commercial and technical regulations; Drive implementation of a roadmap that redirects steel imports into local production; Pursue strategic partnerships to turn the sector into a hub for jobs and innovation.
Prince Audu lauded the Council’s leadership for their commitment and resilience in the face of funding and operational challenges. “This new headquarters is not just a building—it is a command centre for Nigeria’s industrial revolution,” he declared.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musafari, described the commissioning of the new office building as a significant milestone and a step toward and promising future for the revival of Nigeria’s steel sector under the current administration.
He commended the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, for the bold and strategic reforms he has championed since assuming office, particularly his efforts in addressing longstanding issues within the Council.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Steel Council, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana SAN, reiterated the Council’s commitment to building a globally competitive steel industry. He projected that the Council, through regulatory enforcement and licensing, could generate up to N60 billion annually for the Federal Government.
“The steel sector is key to Nigeria’s development; our long-term vision includes establishing a world-class testing lab, research institutions, and enforcement centres to support high-standard steel production,” Prof. Kana said.
Prof. Kana acknowledged the Honourable Minister and the National Assembly for their support, particularly in securing the funds and legal backing necessary for the Council’s growth.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Chris Osa Isokponwu; Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam; Board Members of the Council; as well as top management of the Ministry.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shauibu Abubakar Audu.
July 23, 2025
