Minister of Steel Development seeks Partnership with Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) for Steel Sector Revival
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has solicited the support of the NESG for the ongoing steel sector revival efforts of the Ministry.
Prince Audu called for a partnership with the NESG when he received a delegation from the NESG at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 led by its Board member Mr Nnanna Ude.
The Minister said that the ministry was seeking a partnership with the NESG, being a leading private-sector think tank as part of its ongoing steel sector revival efforts especially with respect to Technical and Funding Assistance, developing a Robust Roadmap for the Industry, and driving the passage of the Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill which is currently before the National Assembly.
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He said that the Ministry was discussing with the NESG, taking cognisance of the critical role it has played in policy formulation for several sectors over the last three decades, whilst also highlighting some of the significant milestones made by the Ministry in less than two years.
In his response, Mr. Nnanna Ude, member of the NESG Board who led the delegation, said the NESG was ready to collaborate with the Ministry in all areas of request, commending the Honourable Minister for the achievements so far.
“I can commit that it is a yes across board and we will work out the details offline and set up a joint team to work on actualising them. I want to assure you that the steel sector is now at the cusp of driving Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, said that the Ministry is glad to have a think tank like the NESG partner the Ministry to achieve its mandate, noting that the ministry is focusing on practical, data driven solutions that will attract credible investments, enhance local capacity for steel production, and reduce reliance on importation.
“We are also working with the directives of the Honourable Minister in strengthening our production system and looking at purpose-related research to support our initiatives.
“We thank you for agreeing to support us with technical assistance and in pushing for our agenda for the Metallurgical Industry Bill so that the Ministry can have a framework to carry out its mandate,” Dr. Isokpunwu said.
Also present at the meeting were heads of agencies of the ministry, Directors as well as top management staff of the ministry.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
March 13, 2025
