STEEL DEVELOPMENT: FG EMPOWERS YOUTHS, LAUNCHES BOOT CAMP TRAINING ON WELDING/FABRICATION AT THE METALLURGICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE ONITSHA.  The Federal Government through the Ministry of Steel Development in a significant effort to empower Nigerian Youths with essential skills for employment and entrepreneurship, has commenced a 3-Batch comprehensive Boot-Camp Training Programme on welding aimed at equipping young individuals with practical competencies in welding techniques and knowledge crucial for contributing to the nation’s industrial growth. The Permanent Secretary Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu delivering the keynote address during the flag-off of the First-Batch of the Ministry's Boot-Camp Training for Nigeria Youths in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Thursday, 6th March 2025, disclosed that the initiative marks a significant step in the Ministry's commitment to develop a skilled workforce, fostering industrial growth, and promoting sustainable development within Nigeria’s metallurgical and steel sector. He added that the Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Prince Shaiubu Abubakar Audu, has taken deliberate steps to reposition the steel and metals industry as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic transformation. Stating that the Ministry recognize that achieving the goal requires not only infrastructural investments but also the empowerment of human capital—hence the need for this intensive bootcamp training. Dr. Chris revealed the programme is designed to equip selected participants with hands-on skills, technical knowledge, and industry insights crucial for advancing the Nigerian metallurgical landscape. According to him, over the next few weeks, the participants will undergo rigorous training in welding and fabrication, industrial foundry and metallurgy, and instrumentation, system control, and mechanical maintenance. He noted that the objective is to bridge skill gaps, promote innovation, and enhance the employability of the nation's youths within the steel critical sector. Harping on the importance of the training, he said "this boot-camp is not just about learning; it is about discipline, resilience, and teamwork. I must emphasize that all participants are expected to adhere strictly to the laid-down rules and guidelines. The Ministry has made provisions for accommodation, feeding, and starter packs for all trainees. However, any form of misconduct—including indiscipline, violation of safety regulations, or engagement in prohibited activities such as drug use or possession of weapons—will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of benefits. The Permeant Secretary expressed pleasure that the participants arrived early for the camp, enabling them to settle in and prepare for the rigorous and impactful training ahead, he admonished them to use opportunity to position themselves as future leaders in the steel and metallurgical sector. "I urge you to embrace this training with enthusiasm, remain focused, and take full advantage of the knowledge and experience that will be shared with you" Speaking, Chairman, Senate Committee on Steel, Distinguished Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, stated he was pleased to be part of the epoch-making event which is geared towards empowering the nations teeming youths to be self-reliant by acquiring extensive skills training in Welding and Fabrication, Industrial Foundry/Metallurgy, Instrumentation/Control System and Mechanic Maintenance.  Represented by Hon. Greg Owurmanam, Sen. Ndubueze commended the Ministry of Steel Development and all relevant Agencies who have contributed to the success of the Boot-Camp Training and enjoined the participants to give maximum attention and cooperate with the trainers to acquire the expected knowledge and skills designed for the programme. Earlier, Director Metallurgical Inspectorate, Engr. Frederick E.Ewa, giving the Overview of the Metal Sector Boot-Camp Training Programme, stated that the initiative, championed by the Ministry of Steel Development, is a strategic effort to empower young Nigerians with hands-on technical skills, foster industrial growth, and bridge the manpower gap in the nation’s steel sector. Engr. Ewa stated that the Bootcamp Training Programme is an intensive, hands-on technical training aimed at equipping participants with critical skills in three specialized areas: Welding and Fabrication; Industrial Foundry and Metallurgy Instrumentation, System Control, and Mechanical Maintenance. He noted that over the course of training, participants will be exposed to real-world practical sessions, industry best practices, and safety protocols, all of which, according to him, are essential to ensuring high-quality output in the metallurgical sector.  Engr. Ewa, encouraged trainees to be fully engaged in every session and abide by all rules and regulations, as misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated. In his welcome address, the Director/Ag. Chief Executive, Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI), Onitsha, Engr. Dr. F.U. Obi, said the training represented a bold and strategic effort by the Ministry to equip young Nigerians with high demand technical skills that are essential for the nation's industrial growth, adding that the Boot-Camp is not just for training but intended to build the next generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who will drive the nation's steel and manufacturing industries forward.  According to Engr. Obi, the choice of Metallurgical Training Institute Onitsha, as venue for the Boot-Camp was deliberate. For decades, he noted, the MTI has been the for front of technical and vocational education in Nigeria, producing skilled professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the steel industry.

STRENGTHENING TEAMWORK AND RESTORING GLORY: MSMD AND MSD HOLD END-OF-YEAR STAFF TOWN HALL MEETING In a bid to strengthen team synergy, performance and address staff welfare, the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), Dr Mary Ogbe, and the Ministry of Steel Development (MSD), Dr Chris Isokpunwu have convened a joint end-of-year Town Hall Staff Meeting on December 19, 2024, at the Ministries' Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting sought to understand the specific concerns and priorities of the workforce, focusing on addressing issues that can be feasibly resolved within the Ministries' current financial limitations. This effort reflects the leaderships' dedication to supporting staff welfare and improving workplace conditions, even in the face of budgetary challenges. Dr Ogbe acknowledged the remarkable achievements in the Ministries realized through staff dedication and urged them to continue striving for excellence, emphasizing that diligence attracts divine blessings.  She urged the team to deeply reflect on the words of the Civil Service Anthem, emphasizing that its values—integrity, dedication, and patriotism—serve as a guiding light for excellence. By embodying these principles in their daily tasks, she inspired staff to contribute meaningfully toward restoring the dignity and glory of the civil service. Dr Isokpunwu emphasized the importance of work-life balance, urging employees to prioritize tasks by distinguishing between urgent and important responsibilities. This approach helps reduce stress, improves focus, and enhances both personal well-being and professional efficiency. The Permanent Secretary also reminded staff of the mandatory Thursday Performance Management System (PMS) assessment sessions, highlighting their importance in evaluating staff performance, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring alignment with the Ministry's goals. The event featured a talk on achieving work-life balance, emphasizing strategies to manage professional responsibilities without compromising personal well-being. In his remarks, the Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council, Mr Peter Okafor, appealed for the reintegration of the annual celebration for outgoing staff into next year’s work plan to honor their contributions. This Town Hall served as a reminder of the Ministries' commitment to nurturing a motivated workforce, while restoring the pride and dignity of the civil service.

MINISTRY OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT IS DRIVING STRONG INITIATIVES TO REVIVE THE STEEL INDUSTRY  The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has said that the Ministry is driving strong initiatives to revive the steel industry and ensure that the sector becomes operational and a great contributor to the economic diversification goals of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Prince Audu made this known whilst delivering his Ministerial Address at the opening of the 2024 Mining Week on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in Abuja with the theme “From Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of Nigeria’s Economy.” The Honourable Minister said that in just fifteen months since the creation of the Ministry, it had made historic milestone achievements to actualize the vision of President Tinubu to make the steel sector a major contributor to a $1 trillion economy by year 2030. He added that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the original builders of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, TPE and its consortium, in September 2024 in Moscow, Russia, was a great feat in the revival efforts of the Ajaokuta plant, which has been comatose for over four decades. “We have taken this mandate since assumption of office on August 21, 2023, with every sense of responsibility and the following milestones/activities were recorded; “We recently signed an MoU with the original builders of the Plant, Messrs. TPE and their partners in Moscow, Russia. The procurement process for the selection of the technical audit firm has been completed, and the auditing of the entire plant will commence before the end of the year. “We are having high level discussions with the Ministry of Defence and Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to also sign an MoU for the production of major input materials for the manufacturing of military hardware’s using the Five (5) Engineering Workshops in ASCL. “On reviving the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (AlSCON), a high-level executive meeting with Mr. President was held in July 2024, and we were given a matching order to ensure that all issues encumbering the commencement of operation be resolved. “We are collaborating with the National Assembly Committees on Steel Development for quick passage of the following bills: the National Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha Establishment Bill; Metallurgical Industry Bill; and amendment of National Steel Council Act. “We have developed an in-house Ten (10) year sectoral Roadmap for the sustainable growth of the sector with a target production of 10 million tons of Crude Steel and other metallic products annually. The final Roadmap document would provide guidance to all industry players and prospective investors on the policy direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Audu said. Declaring the event open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR assured of the commitment of the Federal government to reposition the Solid Minerals, Mining, Steel and Metals Sectors within the shortest possible time. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Henry Alake for the remarkable strides in the sector under his leadership. “I urge all stakeholders to harness this momentum and work together towards our common vision. Under the capable guidance of Minister Dele Alake, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has set a standard that promises prosperity for every Nigerian. Let us continue this journey with unity, ambition and the conviction that Nigeria’s mineral wealth will transform our nation’s future. “Together, we will make Nigeria’s mining sector a cornerstone of national pride and a pillar of sustainable development for generations to come. May our efforts be blessed, and may Nigeria’s future be bright,” President Tinubu stated. Minister of Solid Minerals Development and lead host of the event, Dr. Dele Henry Alake, said that the Solid Minerals Sector has recorded significant transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR by putting new policies in place. Also present at the event were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu CON, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru CON, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development; Sen. Ekong Samson, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals; Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefoi; Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, among others.