Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has said that the steel sector has been pivotal to achieving the vision of President Bola Tinubu towards a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030.
Audu made this assertion at the weekend when he inducted the pioneer steel-sector experts into the National Steel Council, in Abuja.
The Minister urged inductees to drive the transformative reforms of the Council in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Steel Development, Lizzy Okoji, he said that the engagement of the new staff is part of a transformative journey towards the revival of Nigeria’s steel sector.
“The steel industry is a major determinant of the size and strength of any industrialised economy, and as pioneer staff of the Council, you have a unique responsibility to drive policy formulation, implementation, and enforcement of standards that will elevate this industry to global standards,” Prince Audu said.
Emphasising the need for accountability and high performance from the newly inducted staff, the Honourable Minister underscored the importance of results-driven service in achieving the Council’s strategic goals.
“We must begin to generate revenue to self-fund our operations and advance key initiatives that are vital towards reviving this critical sector. From licensing to the enforcement of minimum standards in steel production, your efforts will have a direct impact on national development and public safety, including the prevention of structural failures such as building collapses etc,” Prince Audu said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, Amb. Abdulkadir Musafari, described the induction as a bold step towards institutional reform and sectoral renewal.
He noted that the calibre of professionals recruited reflects the ministry’s commitment to merit, innovation, and sustainable development.
“This induction is not just about expanding our workforce; it’s about building a solid foundation for a future-ready steel sector. The Honourable Minister has been relentless in championing reforms that prioritise results, integrity, and national interest, and we are proud to align with that vision,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Steel Council, Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana SAN, commended the leadership of the Executive Secretary and the Honourable Minister, noting that their vision and pragmatism were instrumental in setting a strong foundation for the Council’s success.
“With the calibre of experts assembled, the involvement of capable consultants, and the dynamic leadership of the Honourable Minister, I am confident we will soon begin to see results. If we commit to the training and uphold integrity, we will have a positive story to tell,” Prof. Kana said.