Nigeria, World Bank forge ahead on steel sector revival roadmap
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank, is ramping up efforts to breathe new life into the country’s long-struggling steel industry, a statement from the Presidency announced on Thursday.
The collaboration centres on finalising a comprehensive roadmap for the sector’s revival, with a sharp focus on iron ore and other critical raw materials.
Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Steel Development, hosted a World Bank delegation in Abuja for strategic discussions.
During the meeting, Audu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration and highlighted ongoing legislative reforms. He also requested the inclusion of the Nigeria Solid Minerals & Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA) in national geo-data initiatives.
The World Bank team outlined its next steps, including stakeholder engagements, completion of the Steel Sector Assessment Survey, and tackling technical challenges at key sites like the Agbaja iron ore deposit.
“The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Steel Development, has intensified efforts to revive Nigeria’s steel sector with the support of the World Bank,” the Presidency statement noted.
