Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu Receives the World Bank as Team Finalises Roadmap for Nigeria’s Steel Sector Revival
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, received a delegation from the World Bank in his office on a strategic visit aimed at finalizing the development of a comprehensive Roadmap for the revival of Nigeria’s steel sector.
The World Bank team, led by Ms Noora Arfaa, working on the Roadmap for Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Value Chain Development, briefed the Minister on milestones achieved so far, with particular focus on iron ore and other essential raw materials required for sustainable steel production.
The delegation noted that the team is currently in Nigeria to review the draft Roadmap document and strengthen stakeholder contributions toward delivering a robust framework that will accelerate growth, competitiveness, and long-term transformation of the steel industry.
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The Bank also sought the support of the Honourable Minister for the successful implementation of its ongoing Steel Sector Assessment Survey, designed to identify critical gaps in Nigeria’s steel sector and provide concrete recommendations in areas where the country holds the greatest comparative advantage.
In his response, Minister Audu assured the World Bank of the Ministry’s unwavering collaboration and commitment to ensuring the success of the initiative. He further requested the inclusion of the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA), Kaduna, in the geo-data acquisition programme being organised in partnership with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Abuja, to strengthen national capacity for resource mapping and exploration.
The World Bank team informed the Minister that arrangements have been concluded to engage industry players, private sector operators, and other key stakeholders across the steel value chain to gather broader perspectives and enrich the final Roadmap document.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted the importance of ongoing legislative reforms currently before the National Assembly, describing them as vital drivers of government’s steel sector transformation agenda. These include the Metallurgical Industry Bill, the Amendment of the National Steel Council Act, and the Establishment Bill for the Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha.
Prince Audu further called on the World Bank’s support in sourcing appropriate technology to address the longstanding challenges of high sulphur and phosphorus content in the Agbaja Iron Ore deposit in Kogi State, a key resource critical to Nigeria’s steel industrialisation ambitions.
Commending the Minister for his warm reception and strong commitment to sectoral development, the World Bank representatives expressed confidence in the collaborative process and pledged to present the draft Steel Sector Assessment Survey Report by the 1st half of 2026.
The engagement underscores the federal government’s renewed drive, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reposition Nigeria’s steel industry as a cornerstone of industrial growth, job creation, and economic self-reliance.
Also part of the team from the World Bank are Ms Adaeze Wigwe, Ms Bertine Kamphuis, and Anthony Madagua. The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, and other top management staff.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
January 28, 2026
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 29TH 2026)
