The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, to suspend its ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiation table.
The Minister made the call in Abuja, in the interest of industrial harmony and the stability of Nigeria’s steel sector.
Prince Audu acknowledged the concerns raised by NASWDEN and said the issues were formally presented to the Ministry through the National Steel Council.
The Minister said the concerns are being given serious attention, with the Ministry working with the National Steel Council to find practical and lasting solutions.
He has therefore directed the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite the leadership of NASWDEN for further discussions and mediation.
Prince Audu also urged steel-producing companies and other stakeholders to cooperate with the process and resolve their differences through dialogue and responsible engagement.
He called on all stakeholders to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the steel sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister said the Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, increased local production, job creation and greater participation in the steel value chain.
He said cooperation among stakeholders is necessary to achieve the Federal Government’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030, increase local value addition and reduce dependence on imported steel products.
Prince Audu therefore urged NASWDEN to sheathe its sword and suspend the industrial action, assuring the Association and other stakeholders that the Ministry is ready to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the issues and ensuring a stable steel industry.
The Association had raised concerns over the alleged undervaluation of scrap metals and reduction in weight through the manipulation of weighing scales.
NASWDEN also complained about the involvement of steel-producing companies in direct scrap metal trading, the importation of billets and other practices it believes are affecting local scrap dealers.
