‘No nation becomes industrialised without steel’

Permanent Secretary overseeing Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, has said that no nation becomes industrialised without a developed steel sector.

She also highlighted government’s dedication to advancing the steel sector as a crucial element for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic growth.

Ogbe spoke in Abuja during the handover of her duties as Permanent Secretary of Steel Development to her successor, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu.

Recall that Ogbe was appointed by the President Bola Tinubu in 2023 to lead the merged Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, with a mandate to develop the steel sector and drive economic growth.

However, in a recent development, the President split the ministry into two, with Isokpunwu continuing to play a key role in shaping the country’s steel development agenda.

During the handover, Ogbe noted the achievements of the ministry under her leadership, saying: “The Ministry of Steel Development is tasked with the responsibility of advancing steel production. As you know, no nation becomes industrialised without steel.”

In his acceptance speech, Isokpunwu expressed commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor and working towards transforming the steel industry into a dynamic and sustainable sector.

He expressed confidence in his leadership, saying: “Steels development and solid minerals development have to work hand in hand if we must achieve industrialisation, which is already a very big objective of this presidential administration.

“We will set to work immediately to carry out the assignment that Mr President has laid out for us, and our main responsibility will be to support the minister to achieve its goals and objectives.”

On his part, the Director Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion, Mr Imeh Ikrikpo, said the ministry was happy to receive the permanent secretary and assured him of the support of management and staff of the ministry.