The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority of bolstering the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria for sustained economic and infrastructural progress through the Steel Sector.
Audu made this assertion while addressing attendees at the two-day ministerial management retreat convened by the Ministry to strategise on achieving its presidential priorities. The retreat, held on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22, 2024, in Abuja, aimed to chart a definitive course toward realising the nation’s development objectives.
Highlighting the significance of the steel sector in Nigeria’s economic advancement, the minister emphasised that the recently reviewed presidential 8-key priorities underscored the pivotal role of the steel industry in driving industrialisation, manufacturing and unlocking the country’s vast natural resource potential.
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of the steel industry since its inception in 1958, Audu acknowledged the challenges that have plagued its development over the past four decades. However, he expressed optimism, citing the current administration’s proactive stance in addressing these longstanding issues. He asserted that the establishment of the Ministry of Steel signals a concerted effort to prioritise and revitalise the sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for the Ministry, Uba Maigari Ahmadu underscored the significance of the retreat in aligning the Ministry’s strategies with the nation’s overarching development priorities. He outlined key objectives, including understanding the intersection of each priority with the steel industry, developing a comprehensive roadmap, establishing measurable key performance indicators (KPIs), and fostering collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Welcoming participants, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mary A Ogbe, underscored the retreat’s theme, emphasising the imperative of leveraging Nigeria’s steel resources for national development. She urged attendees to actively engage in discussions and contribute constructively towards shaping a brighter future for the steel industry and the nation as a whole.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Tine-Iulun M.A, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel Development, Senator Patrick Ndubueze reiterated the importance of the retreat in facilitating dialogue and innovation to propel the sector forward.
Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development, Dr. Zainab Gimbal echoed this sentiment in a goodwill message delivered by deputy chairman, Hon. Yusuf Umar Datti. Gimbal emphasised the House Committee’s commitment to advancing the steel sector, recognising its potential to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.
As stakeholders convene to deliberate on strategies for advancing the steel industry, the Ministry of Steel Development’s pledge to fulfil its mandate underscores a proactive approach towards achieving sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, the nation aims to harness the full potential of its steel sector to propel progress and prosperity for all citizens.
