By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Steel Development has stepped up oversight of Nigeria’s metallurgical sector with a two-day familiarization visit to the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos, Plateau State.
The visit, which ran from September 4–5, 2025, was led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, and focused on strengthening synergy, assessing capacity gaps, and aligning NMDC’s operations with the Federal Government’s industrialization drive under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the tour, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on NMDC’s mandate, achievements, and ongoing research programmes.
Facilities critical to metallurgical research were inspected, while challenges and areas requiring urgent Federal Government intervention were highlighted.
Dr. Isokpunwu stressed that the Ministry is determined to reposition the Centre as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“This visit underscores our commitment to effective oversight and policy guidance.
The NMDC must remain aligned with national metallurgical and industrial development goals, and this collaboration will ensure that its programmes directly support the government’s industrialization agenda,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied by the Director of Human Resources, Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Idika, alongside other senior officials and technical aides.
Welcoming the team, NMDC’s Director-General/Chief Executive, Engr. Prof. Linus Asuquo, described the visit as “a new dawn” for the Centre and presented a detailed account of its performance.
According to him, the NMDC has:
Achieved key milestones in research and collaboration since 2019,
Built partnerships with institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Nasarawa State University Keffi, and Mintek South Africa,
Generated ₦3.39 million in revenue,
Completed major capital projects including the Heat Treatment Plant,
Advanced research in melting cast iron scrap and producing grinding plates for industrial use.
Prof. Asuquo expressed optimism that under the Ministry’s renewed attention, NMDC would be better positioned to fulfill its mandate as the technical driver of Nigeria’s steel and industrial development.
“We are confident this visit marks a turning point for NMDC and the steel sector at large. With strengthened collaboration, we are ready to deliver results that will benefit Nigeria’s economy,” he added.
The visit, stakeholders say, signals the Ministry’s stronger resolve to revitalize the steel industry and unlock its potential as a backbone of Nigeria’s industrial economy.
