Steel ministry to striking union: Suspend industrial action

The minister of steel development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has called on the leadership of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) to suspend its ongoing industrial action in the interest of industrial harmony, mutual understanding and the overall stability and development of Nigeria’s steel sector.

He stated this on Wednesday when he was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by NASWDEN which was formally presented to the ministry through the National Steel Council.

In a statement by Tine-Iulun M. A, head press & public relations department of the ministry, those concerns include alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, weight reductions arising from malpractices involving weighing scales, the involvement of local and other steel-producing companies in direct scrap metals trading, the importation of billets and other practices perceived by the association to be limiting the effective participation of local scrap dealers in the steel value chain.

“The ministry recognises the seriousness and importance of these concerns and is currently giving them due consideration in consultation with the National Steel Council with a view to developing practical, balanced and sustainable institutional measures to address the issues raised,” ir said.

The statement noted further that, “In furtherance of this process, the Honourable minister has directed the permanent secretary, in collaboration with the office of the executive secretary of the National Steel Council to invite the apex leadership of NASWDEN for further discussions and effective mediation on the issues raised by the association, as well as their implications for steel-producing companies and other operators within the sector.”

The minister therefore, urged NASWDEN and all stakeholders within the steel industry, particularly steel-producing companies, to cooperate fully and uphold their respective obligations while all parties are expected to embrace dialogue, good faith and responsible engagements in the resolution of these issues affecting the sector.

He emphasised that the development of a strong and competitive domestic steel industry requires the collective commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders as no individual or group interest should undermine the broader national objective of building a viable steel industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation.

“The collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to achieving the federal government’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030, while strengthening local value addition, creating employment opportunities and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported steel products,” he said.