Minister appeals to NASWDEN to suspend industrial action.
…as FG targets 10 mm annual steel production by 2030
By Gabriel Ewepu, Abuja
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu, on Wednesday, appealed to the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, to suspend its ongoing industrial action.
As contained in a statement signed by the Head, Press & Public Relations Department, Tine-Iulun Maureen, Audu made the call through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, to the leadership of NASWDEN to suspend the strike.
According to the statement, the minister said in the interest of industrial harmony, mutual understanding and the overall stability and development of Nigeria’s steel sector, the strike should be suspended.
Meanwhile, the statement highlighted reasons by the workers for embarking on the strike, which include alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, weight reductions arising from malpractices involving weighing scales, the involvement of local and other steel-producing companies in direct scrap metals trading, the importation of billets, and other practices perceived by the Association to be limiting the effective participation of local scrap dealers in the steel value chain.
The Ministry says it recognises the seriousness and importance of these concerns and is currently giving them due consideration in consultation with the National Steel Council, with a view to developing practical, balanced and sustainable institutional measures to address the issues raised.
“In furtherance of this process, the Honourable Minister has directed the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite the apex leadership of NASWDEN for further discussions and effective mediation on the issues raised by the Association, as well as their implications for steel-producing companies and other operators within the sector.
“The Honourable Minister urges NASWDEN and all stakeholders within the steel industry, particularly steel-producing companies, to cooperate fully and uphold their respective obligations. All parties are expected to embrace dialogue, good faith and responsible engagements in the resolution of these issues affecting the sector.
“The Minister further calls on all stakeholders to recognise the significant efforts and policy direction of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards repositioning and developing Nigeria’s steel sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investments, increased domestic production, local participation and sustainable growth across the steel value chain.
“The Honourable Minister emphasises that the development of a strong and competitive domestic steel industry requires the collective commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. No individual or group interest should undermine the broader national objective of building a viable steel industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
“The collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to achieving the Federal Government’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030, while strengthening local value addition, creating employment opportunities and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported steel products.
“The Honourable Minister therefore calls on NASWDEN to sheathe its sword, suspend the ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiation table, while assuring the Association and all stakeholders of the Ministry’s readiness to facilitate constructive engagement towards resolving the issues raised.
“The Ministry of Steel Development remains committed to ensuring a fair, stable and conducive operating environment for all legitimate stakeholders in the steel sector and will continue to engage relevant parties towards the sustainable development of Nigeria’s steel industry.”