Nigeria's Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) to suspend its ongoing industrial action. The Minister made this appeal in Abuja, citing the need for industrial harmony and stability in Nigeria's steel sector. Prince Audu emphasized that the Ministry is committed to addressing the concerns raised by NASWDEN.
According to Prince Audu, NASWDEN's concerns were formally presented to the Ministry through the National Steel Council. The Minister assured that these concerns are being given serious attention, with the Ministry working closely with the National Steel Council to find practical and lasting solutions. This collaborative effort aims to resolve the issues affecting the steel sector.
The Minister has directed the Permanent Secretary to invite NASWDEN's leadership for further discussions and mediation, in collaboration with the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council. Prince Audu also urged steel-producing companies and other stakeholders to cooperate with the process and resolve their differences through dialogue and responsible engagement.
Prince Audu emphasized the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in achieving the Federal Government's target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030. He also highlighted the need for increased local value addition and reduced dependence on imported steel products. The Minister's efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
NASWDEN had raised concerns over the alleged undervaluation of scrap metals and the manipulation of weighing scales. The Association also complained about steel-producing companies engaging in direct scrap metal trading and the importation of billets, which they believe affects local scrap dealers. These concerns led to the industrial action.
Prince Audu urged NASWDEN to suspend its industrial action, assuring the Association and other stakeholders that the Ministry is committed to facilitating discussions aimed at resolving the issues. The Minister's goal is to ensure a stable steel industry, and he appealed to all stakeholders to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, increased local production, job creation, and greater participation in the steel value chain. By working together, stakeholders can help achieve the government's steel production targets and promote a stable steel sector.
Key points
- The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on NASWDEN to suspend its industrial action and engage in further discussions.
- NASWDEN's concerns include the alleged undervaluation of scrap metals and the manipulation of weighing scales.
- The Federal Government aims to achieve 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030.
