Nigeria, Germany deepen talks on steel, technology transfer

Nigeria and Germany are strengthening their dialogue on steel production and technology transfer, according to recent reports. The Federal Government has been actively seeking to attract German expertise and investment, particularly in the areas of mineral processing, equipment manufacturing, and industrial development. Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu met with a delegation of German Original Equipment Manufacturers, led by VDMA-German OEMs Head Chux Onaa, at the ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

The visit is seen as a significant step towards converting previous discussions into concrete industrial partnerships. Both countries have explored opportunities in steel and related sectors during the 9th German-African Economic Forum in Dortmund. Nigeria's rich mineral and metallurgical resources, combined with a growing domestic market, present significant opportunities for industrial development, according to Audu.

The ministry is keen to foster collaboration with German companies in equipment manufacturing, mineral processing, and technology transfer, aiming to reduce dependence on imported technologies and build local value chains. The engagement aligns with Nigeria's Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, to revitalize the steel industry as part of broader economic diversification efforts.