The Nigerian Ministry of Steel Development has urged the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) to suspend its ongoing industrial action. Minister Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, represented by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, made the appeal on Wednesday. The strike, which began recently, has raised concerns about the stability and development of Nigeria's steel sector. The ministry has acknowledged the union's concerns and is working to address them.
NASWDEN's concerns include the alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, weight reductions due to malpractices involving weighing scales, and the involvement of local steel-producing companies in direct scrap metals trading. The union also objects to the importation of billets and other practices that limit their participation in the steel value chain. These issues were formally presented to the ministry through the National Steel Council. The ministry is currently considering these concerns in consultation with the council.
The ministry has directed the permanent secretary to invite NASWDEN's leadership for further discussions and mediation on the issues raised. The goal is to develop practical, balanced, and sustainable measures to address the union's concerns. The minister emphasized the importance of dialogue, good faith, and responsible engagement in resolving the issues affecting the sector. All stakeholders, particularly steel-producing companies, are urged to cooperate fully.
Minister Audu stressed that a strong and competitive domestic steel industry requires the collective commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. No individual or group interest should undermine the national objective of building a viable steel industry capable of supporting Nigeria's industrialization and economic transformation. The ministry is working to achieve the federal government's target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030.
The minister highlighted the importance of local value addition, job creation, and reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported steel products. The steel sector plays a crucial role in Nigeria's economic development, and the ministry is committed to creating a favorable business environment for all stakeholders. The suspension of the industrial action is expected to facilitate further discussions and resolution of the issues.
The National Steel Council is working closely with the ministry to address the concerns raised by NASWDEN. The council's executive secretary will collaborate with the permanent secretary to facilitate discussions and mediation. The ministry's efforts aim to promote industrial harmony and stability in the steel sector. The sector's growth and development are critical to Nigeria's economic transformation.
The industrial action by NASWDEN has significant implications for Nigeria's steel industry. The ministry's appeal to suspend the strike is aimed at preventing further disruptions to the sector. The collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to achieving the federal government's goals for the steel industry. The ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to resolve the issues and promote a strong and competitive domestic steel industry.
Key points
- Nigeria's steel ministry urges scrap dealers' union to halt strike over concerns including undervaluation of scrap metals and malpractices involving weighing scales.
