Steel ministry urges scrap dealers to suspend strike

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.

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.

The ministry said the move was necessary to preserve industrial harmony and address concerns threatening the stability and development of the steel sector.

NASWDEN had raised concerns over alleged undervaluation of scrap metals, manipulation of weighing scales, direct purchase of scrap by steel-producing companies, importation of billets and other practices it claimed were limiting the participation of local scrap dealers in the steel value chain.

According to the ministry, the concerns have been formally presented through the National Steel Council and are being considered in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The statement said the minister had 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.

Audu urged NASWDEN and steel-producing companies to embrace dialogue, good faith and responsible engagement in resolving the dispute.

He also called on stakeholders to support the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the steel industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister said collective commitment was essential to achieving the Federal Government’s target of 10 million metric tonnes of annual steel production by 2030, while increasing local value addition, creating jobs and reducing dependence on imported steel products.

He therefore urged NASWDEN to “sheath its sword”, suspend the industrial action and return to negotiations, assuring the association and other stakeholders that the ministry was ready to facilitate a resolution of the issues.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to creating a fair and conducive operating environment for legitimate players across the steel value chain.

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