RismadarVoice Reporters
October 8, 2026
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu, has appealed to the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria, NASWDEN, to suspend its ongoing industrial action and return to negotiations with the Federal Government.
Audu appealed to the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, stressing the importance of industrial harmony and stability in Nigeria’s steel sector.
The minister said the government acknowledged the concerns that led to the industrial action and was engaging the National Steel Council to develop sustainable solutions to the issues raised by scrap dealers.
NASWDEN embarked on the action over several grievances, including alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, manipulation of weighing scales, the direct involvement of steel-producing companies in scrap trading and the importation of billets.
The association maintains that the practices are damaging the businesses of local scrap dealers and affecting their participation in the steel industry.
The ministry said it was reviewing the complaints and had directed the Permanent Secretary, working with the Executive Secretary of the National Steel Council, to invite NASWDEN leaders for further discussions and mediation.
Audu urged scrap dealers, steel manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to embrace dialogue and work towards resolving the disagreements.
He also called for greater cooperation with the Federal Government’s efforts to increase domestic steel production, strengthen local participation and expand value addition across the industry.
According to the ministry, Nigeria is targeting annual steel production of 10 million metric tonnes by 2030 as part of efforts to create jobs, strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported steel products.
Audu appealed to NASWDEN to suspend the industrial action while negotiations continue, assuring the association that the ministry would facilitate engagement aimed at creating a fair and stable operating environment for stakeholders in the sector.
