The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract German technology, direct investment, and technical expertise to revive Nigeria’s steel and metallurgical sectors.
The initiative was highlighted on Thursday morning, September 24, 2026, during a bilateral strategic meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Steel Development Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, hosted a high-level delegation of German Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) led by Dr. Chux Onaa, Head of VDMA-German OEMs.
The primary objective was to translate earlier high-level discussions held at the 9th German-African Economic Forum in Dortmund, Germany, into concrete industrial partnerships, localized manufacturing, and direct cross-border investment.
Addressing the delegation, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu outlined key priority areas for collaboration, including mineral processing, equipment manufacturing and supply, local engineering services, capacity building, and direct technology transfer.
”Nigeria possesses significant mineral and metallurgical raw material resources, alongside a large and growing market with substantial opportunities for industrial development,” Audu stated. “The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Steel Development, is committed to creating an enabling environment for a competitive, technology-driven, and sustainable steel industry capable of supporting infrastructure development, manufacturing, job creation, and economic diversification.”
Audu further invited German OEMs to actively participate in both ongoing and emerging national projects across the steel value chain. He noted that integrating German industrial technology will reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported machinery, retain foreign exchange, and strengthen domestic value chains.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, noted that the engagement directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasised that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Steel Development underscores the administration’s resolve to position the steel sector as the engine of Nigeria’s broader industrialization and economic growth.
Reaffirming the readiness of German firms, Dr. Chux Onaa stated that the delegation was in Abuja to consolidate investment opportunities and build on initial frameworks established in Europe.
He pointed out that German manufacturers possess advanced processing technologies applicable to raw material processing, cement production, and building material manufacturing, which can be adapted to accelerate Nigeria’s industrial growth.
A official statement released by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ijomah Opia, confirmed that joint technical committees will follow up on the Abuja deliberations to formalize strategic frameworks and execute investment roadmaps.
