By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
Federal Government has again committed to reviving the Ajaokuta Steel plant and the entire metal sector for unimpeded industrial development.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, gave the assurance yesterday in Abuja in his keynote address while declaring open a Stakeholders Meeting on Review of the Metallurgical Industry Bill 2023.
The engagement of stakeholders aims to provide a platform for key players to come together and thoroughly review the bill, identify gaps, and propose necessary amendments.
The Minister said,”For too long, the absence of a comprehensive legal structure has hindered growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness in our industry. The Bill before us seeks to address these long-standing issues, ensuring that Nigeria’s metallurgical industry is not only viable but also a key contributor to our economic diversification efforts.
“Once passed into law, this Bill will enhance the Ministry’s capacity to regulate the steel and metals industry by providing a well-defined legal framework that ensures operational standards, quality control, and industrial best practices.
“It will empower the Ministry with stronger enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal mining, scrap metal theft, and substandard imports. Furthermore, the Bill will enhance investment confidence, attract both local and foreign investors, and create a more transparent business environment.
Assuring willing investors of the ministry’s support, Audu said,”We in the Ministry of Steel Development are promoting an enabling business environment for local production of various metallic products from ore to finished goods. I encourage potential investors to feel free to approach the Ministry to discuss their areas of interest.
“We also restate our willingness and disposition to drive the reoperation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. The integration of the steel industry with construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors will further drive economic growth”.
The Minister also disclosed a zero-tolerance stance of government against scrap metal theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, saying, “We are working closely with security agencies, the National Association of Scrap Waste Dealers of Nigeria and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective regulatory enforcement and industry protection.
“In addition, the ministry is poised to develop centralised scrap collation centres around the country starting with the six geopolitical zones to ensure effective regulation, control and coordination of scrap resources around the country”.
Stressing the need for environmental sustainability, Prince Audu said, “We must balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability by implementing best practices in waste management, emission control, and responsible production processes.
All operators in metallurgical industry must align with global green initiatives while remaining competitive on the global stage”.
He enjoined participants to generously contribute with their technical expertise and industry experience to ensure that the bill is refined and enacted as a law that would “stand the test of time and drive sustainable growth in our sector”.
Speaking, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development, Hon. Hajiya Zainab Gimba, also stressed the critical importance of having an updated legislative framework that aligns with the developmental goals of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration.
“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, following its separation from the former Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, has fundamentally transformed our regulatory landscape.
“This shift that is no doubt one of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda necessitates a rigorous re-examination of the Nigerian Metallurgical Industry Bill, 2023, to ensure it accurately reflects the Ministry’s updated status, functions, and responsibilities, while addressing the regulatory gaps that have emerged from the separation from the Ministry of Solid Minerals”, she said.
According to her, the Bill is currently before the National Assembly and has passed its first reading.
In his welcome address earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, since 2023, a previously reviewed version of the Bill has been before the National Assembly, awaiting a public hearing. However, recent developments necessitate a fresh review before it is finally enacted into law hence this stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the outcome of the meeting would be consolidated into a memorandum for presentation at the forthcoming public hearing at the National Assembly.
