The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu has officially commissioned the Orbit Galvanising Steel Industries Limited and Orbit Fabrication Works Limited in Lagos State.
The twin facilities, developed by African Industries Group (AIG), mark a major step forward in Nigeria’s galvanising and steel fabrication sub-sector, reinforcing private sector confidence in the country’s industrial development agenda.
The commissioning ceremony was part of the Honourable Minister’s working visit to Lagos, where he engaged with key private sector stakeholders in the steel industry. The visit aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed push to foster private sector participation as a catalyst for economic growth, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
Prince Audu praised African Industries Group for its unwavering commitment to investing in Nigeria’s steel sector and driving local manufacturing, job creation, and long-term economic sustainability. He described the newly commissioned facilities as a landmark achievement, adding that the Orbit fabrication plant alone has the capacity to produce up to 50,000 metric tons of fabricated towers annually. This capacity brings the combined annual tower production volume in Nigeria to approximately 200,000 metric tonnes, significantly reducing dependence on imports.
The minister further emphasised the importance of local content and import substitution in driving the nation’s industrial growth. He stated that the administration’s proactive policies – centered on industrial expansion, backward integration and strengthening local production – were key enablers of the successful establishment of this plant.
“This plant, which stands as a pioneer achievement by African Industries Group in the galvanising sub-sector, reflects the group’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s industrial development. It also highlights the focus on locally manufacturing steel products through backward integration, which is vital for our broader economic goals,” Audu stated.
He noted that galvanized steel products play a vital role in the development of multiple industries and infrastructure projects across Nigeria. Recognizing this, the Federal Government previously approved concessionary import duties for galvanised steel products to support the sector. However, with the commissioning of the Orbit facility, the Minister emphasised that local capacity now exists to meet demand for quality tower products, not just in Nigeria but across the ECOWAS region.
“I encourage both government agencies and private sector players to patronise our locally fabricated tower products. This facility currently employs about 350 Nigerians and will help conserve foreign exchange that would otherwise be spent on imported steel components. The impact is far-reaching – not only in economic terms but also in terms of skill development and technology transfer,” he said.
Audu reiterated that one of the core mandates of the Ministry of Steel Development, under the leadership of President Tinubu, is to create an enabling environment for domestic investments and ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders. He added that the commissioning of the Orbit facility was tangible proof of the government’s efforts to revive Nigeria’s long-neglected steel industry.
“This milestone shows that the steel sector can be revitalised with the right policies, partnerships and political will. I encourage other prospective investors to follow the example set by African Industries Group and take advantage of the opportunities within the Nigerian steel value chain,” the minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the company, a director of African Industries Group, Rajah Gupta reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s development. He emphasised that AIG, which has operated in Nigeria for over five decades, remains focused on positioning the country among the world’s leading producers and exporters of crude steel.
“We have made the largest non-oil foreign direct investment in Nigeria, particularly in the steel and mining sectors. So far, the group has invested more than $600 million and is currently producing iron and steel from locally sourced iron ore. In the near future, we aim to begin exporting Basic Raw Iron (BRI) produced entirely in Nigeria,” Gupta stated.
He noted that AIG’s manufacturing strategy is driven by the principle of import substitution – transforming locally available raw materials into high-quality finished goods. This approach, he said, not only reduces the pressure on Nigeria’s foreign reserves but also creates a sustainable industrial base for future growth.
As part of his official itinerary, Audu also paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State government, where he was received by the deputy governor, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat. During the meeting, the minister outlined his plan to tour various steel facilities in Lagos to better understand the challenges faced by private investors and identify ways in which the government could provide further support.
“We are here to seek continued collaboration with the Lagos State Government. More than 60 percent of private steel investors in Nigeria are based here, so it’s essential that we work hand in hand. I appreciate the leadership and development initiatives of the state government, especially your commitment to implementing the Lagos State Development Plan,” Audu said.
He also praised the strategic role Lagos plays in Nigeria’s economy, describing the state as not only a megacity but one of Africa’s top five economies. He acknowledged that the current administration in Lagos has effectively built upon the development blueprint laid down by President Tinubu during his tenure as governor.
“The government of President Bola Tinubu has laid a strong foundation for growth in Lagos, and your administration is sustaining that vision with excellence. Our collaboration is essential to ensuring the success of the national steel development plan,” the minister concluded.
With the commissioning of the Orbit Galvanising and Fabrication facilities, the Federal Government hopes to signal a new era for Nigeria’s steel industry – one that is driven by local investment, powered by innovation and focused on achieving economic sovereignty.
