Mohammed Shosanya
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Honourable Minister of Steel Development, emphasized the ambitious goal of creating over 500,000 jobs within an operational steel industry before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term.
In a statement,the Minister highlighted the engagement of nearly 200 youths in the steel industry nationwide within his first four months in office, with additional initiatives in the pipeline.
He underscored the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ initiated by President Tinubu, focusing on economic prosperity, job creation, poverty alleviation, and addressing security challenges.
At the core of this agenda is the revitalization of Nigeria’s steel industry, leading to the establishment of the Ministry of Steel Development in August 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, plans include designing a roadmap for the resuscitation of the steel industry, encompassing a five-year plan for Nigeria’s steel sector revival and a three-year plan for the Ajaokuta steel plant.
International investors have shown commitment, pledging billions of dollars to develop Nigeria’s steel industry, a testament to President Tinubu’s efforts highlighted at global forums like the recent G20 summit in Delhi, India.
The Ministry of Steel Development is actively working to create a conducive operating environment for both local and foreign investors, considering measures such as increased government levies on steel importation to promote import substitution.
Prince Shuaibu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve and reiterated the commitment to deliver the President’s vision for the Steel Industry in Nigeria.