Ministry of Steel Development has deepened collaboration with the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos, Plateau State, to generate policy inputs that will drive metallurgical and industrial growth in Nigeria.
This was the outcome of a two-day familiarization visit to the Centre by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, alongside a delegation of directors and technical aides.
Dr. Isokpunwu emphasized that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that NMDC’s programmes align with the Federal Government’s strategic objectives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The collaboration between the Ministry and NMDC will be strengthened to align with national metallurgical and industrial development goals,” he stated,
The Permanent Secretary
added that the visit underscores the Ministry’s commitment to effective oversight and policy guidance.
Dr. Isokpunwu was accompanied by the Director of Human Resources Management, Dr. (Mrs.) Ijeoma Idika, and other top officials of the Ministry.
Welcoming the delegation, the Director General Executive of NMDC, Prof. Linus Asuquo, described the visit as a landmark event for the Centre, noting that the NMDC remains Nigeria’s premier research institution in minerals and steel development.
Professor Asuquo presented a detailed overview of the Centre’s achievements, challenges, and future plans explaining that the NMDC has made notable progress since 2019.
According to him major achievements include advancing research, maintenance, and institutional collaborations Partnering with organizations such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Mintek, South Africa and the Generation of ₦3,390,094.75 as revenue to the Federal government.
Others are the Completion of capital projects such as the Heat Treatment Plant project, engaging in ongoing research on melting cast iron scrap and producing grinding plates for industrial applications.
Prof. Asuquo who assured the Ministry of NMDC’s unwavering cooperation, expressed optimism that the visit would herald a new era of collaboration and support.
“We are confident that under your stewardship, NMDC will receive the needed attention to fulfill its mandate. This visit marks a new dawn of progress and renewed hope for the Nigerian steel industry,” he said.
