FG SEEKS GERMAN TECHNOLOGY TO REVIVE STEEL INDUSTRY

The Federal Government is seeking investment, technology and equipment from German manufacturers as part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s steel and metallurgical industries.

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, disclosed this when he received a delegation of German Original Equipment Manufacturers led by the Head of VDMA-German OEMs, Chux Onaa, in Abuja.

Audu said the government was interested in partnerships covering steel production, mineral processing, equipment manufacturing, engineering services, capacity development and technology transfer.

He said Nigeria had significant mineral and metallurgical resources, as well as a large domestic market that could support industrial development.

According to the minister, stronger collaboration with German manufacturers could help Nigeria develop local industrial value chains and reduce dependence on imported equipment and technology.

He added that the government was committed to creating an environment for a technology-driven and sustainable steel industry capable of supporting infrastructure development, manufacturing, job creation and economic diversification.

The German delegation said its visit was aimed at building on previous discussions on investment and cooperation in Nigeria’s steel sector.

Onaa said German original equipment manufacturers had technologies that could support the processing of raw materials for industries, including cement and building materials.

The engagement follows earlier Nigeria-Germany discussions on steel development, mining, mineral processing, engineering and technology transfer.