FG Commissions National Steel Council Headquarters, Moves to Revive Steel Sector

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, commissioned the newly completed headquarters of the National Steel Council in Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to revive Nigeria’s dormant steel industry.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who described the event as a landmark step toward repositioning the steel sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Prince Audu announced that pioneer technical experts have been engaged to immediately commence operations within the Council, in a move aimed at accelerating reforms and driving job creation in the sector.

“This is more than a symbolic event. It is a concrete step toward reclaiming Nigeria’s industrial future. The steel sector has remained inactive for decades, despite its potential to drive industrialisation, economic diversification, and employment,” he said.

The minister decried Nigeria’s annual steel import bill of over $4 billion and noted that redirecting such expenditure into local production would create thousands of jobs and fuel domestic industries.

He outlined three key mandates for the Council: collaboration with the Ministry on regulatory reforms, implementation of a national roadmap for reducing steel imports, and forging strategic partnerships to transform the sector into a hub for innovation and employment.

“This new headquarters is not just a building, it is the command centre of Nigeria’s industrial revolution,” Audu declared.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, Ambassador Abdulkadir Musafari, described the development as a major milestone for the sector. He commended the Minister for his leadership and commitment to reviving the Council and repositioning it for greater impact.

Chairman of the Council, Professor Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana (SAN), projected that the Council could generate up to N60 billion annually through effective regulatory enforcement and licensing. He also unveiled plans to establish a world-class steel testing laboratory, research institutions, and enforcement centres.

“The steel sector is key to Nigeria’s development. We are committed to building a globally competitive industry,” he said.

The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokponwu; Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam; members of the Council’s Board; and senior officials of the Ministry.