By Stella Odueme
The Ministry of Steel Development has appealed to the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria (NASWDEN) to suspend its ongoing industrial action and return to the negotiation table in the interest of industrial harmony and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s steel sector.
The appeal was made by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi.
In a statement by Tine-Iulun M. A., Head, Press and Public Relations Department on Thursday, the ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by NASWDEN and formally presented through the National Steel Council.
The concerns include alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, weight reductions linked to alleged malpractices involving weighing scales, direct involvement of local and other steel-producing companies in scrap metal trading, importation of billets and other practices which the association believes are limiting the participation of local scrap dealers in the steel value chain.
According to the ministry, the issues are being given due consideration in consultation with the National Steel Council, with the aim of developing practical and sustainable measures to address the concerns.
The minister has also directed the Permanent Secretary, in collaboration with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite NASWDEN's apex leadership for further discussions and mediation.
The ministry urged NASWDEN and other stakeholders, particularly steel-producing companies, to cooperate with the process and uphold their respective obligations, stressing the need for dialogue, good faith and responsible engagement.
It further called on stakeholders to support the Federal Government's efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to reposition Nigeria's steel industry by creating an enabling environment for investment, increased domestic production and greater local participation.
The ministry said the development of a competitive domestic steel industry requires the cooperation of all stakeholders, adding that collective efforts are necessary to achieve the Federal Government's target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030.
It said achieving the target would strengthen local value addition, create employment opportunities and reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported steel products.
The minister therefore appealed to NASWDEN to sheathe its sword, suspend the industrial action and resume negotiations, assuring the association and other stakeholders that the ministry remains ready to facilitate constructive engagement towards resolving the issues.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing a fair, stable and conducive operating environment for legitimate stakeholders and to working with relevant parties for the sustainable development of Nigeria's steel industry.