The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Steel Development, has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s metallurgical and industrial sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Ministry, led by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, concluded a two-day familiarization visit to the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, Plateau State, from September 4–5, 2025.
Dr. Isokpunwu said the visit was designed to strengthen oversight, align NMDC’s programmes with national priorities, identify resource gaps, and generate policy inputs that will accelerate industrial development. “The Ministry’s commitment to effective oversight and policy guidance is underscored by this visit, ensuring that NMDC’s programmes contribute directly to the Federal Government’s industrialization agenda,” he stated.
The delegation received strategic briefings on NMDC’s mandate, achievements, and ongoing research programmes, and also inspected core metallurgical facilities to identify areas needing Federal Government intervention.
Earlier, the Director-General/Chief Executive of NMDC, Engr. Prof. Linus Asuquo, highlighted the Centre’s milestones, including strategic partnerships with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Nasarawa State University, and Mintek South Africa. He disclosed that NMDC has generated ₦3.39 million in revenue, completed key capital projects such as the Heat Treatment Plant, and is currently engaged in research on melting cast iron scrap and producing grinding plates for industrial use.
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Prof. Asuquo described the Permanent Secretary’s visit as a “new dawn of collaboration, progress, and renewed hope” for the steel sector, assuring the Ministry of NMDC’s full cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s metallurgical and industrial development.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by the Director of Human Resources Management, Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Idika, other technical directors, and aides from the Ministry.
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