The Federal Government has urged scrap metal dealers to suspend their ongoing industrial action and return to negotiations, amid concerns that the dispute could disrupt efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic steel industry.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, made the appeal through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, following complaints submitted by the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) through the National Steel Council (NSC).
The association has raised concerns over alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, manipulation of weighing scales, direct involvement of steel-producing companies in scrap trading and the importation of billets.
The ministry said the grievances were being reviewed with a view to developing measures that would address the concerns of the dealers while protecting the interests of other operators in the steel value chain.
A statement by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Tine-Iulun M. A., said the minister had directed the Permanent Secretary and the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council to invite NASWDEN’s leadership for further discussions and mediation.
“The Ministry recognises the seriousness and importance of these concerns and is currently giving them due consideration,” Rimi said.
The ministry also appealed to steel-producing companies and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government and engage in dialogue in good faith to resolve the dispute.
Audu said the government’s target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of steel annually by 2030 required the cooperation of all stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
The minister urged NASWDEN to “sheath its sword” and return to the negotiating table, assuring the association that the ministry was ready to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the outstanding issues.
He said the government remained committed to creating an environment that would encourage investment, increase domestic production, strengthen local participation and reduce dependence on imported steel products.
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