FG woos German firms to revive Nigeria’s steel

The Nigerian government is actively pursuing German technology and investment to revitalize the country's steel industry, according to the Ministry of Steel Development. Minister Prince Shuaibu Audu received a delegation of German Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) led by VDMA-German OEMs Head Chux Onaa at the ministry's headquarters in Abuja.

The visit aimed to convert previous discussions into concrete investment and industrial partnerships, with both countries having previously explored opportunities in steel development, mining, mineral processing, engineering, and technology transfer during the 9th German-African Economic Forum in Dortmund, Germany. Audu highlighted Nigeria's abundant mineral and metallurgical resources and a growing market with significant opportunities for industrial development.

He emphasized the federal government's commitment to creating an enabling environment for a competitive, technology-driven, and sustainable steel industry. The minister identified areas such as modern technology deployment, equipment manufacturing, mineral processing, steel production, engineering services, capacity development, and technology transfer as potential collaboration points with German companies.

Audu expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to specific areas of collaboration and investment, reducing Nigeria's dependence on imported equipment and technologies. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, noted that the engagement aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to accelerate the revitalization of the steel sector.