The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen industrial cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, particularly in steel development, technology transfer, mineral processing and equipment manufacturing.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, stated this on Thursday 24th September 2026 while receiving a delegation of German Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) led by Dr. Chux Onaa, Head, VDMA-German Original Equipment Manufacturers at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister described the visit as an important step towards translating the understanding reached during previous engagements between Nigeria and Germany into concrete areas of industrial collaboration and investment. He recalled the productive engagements held at the 9th German-African Economic Forum in Dortmund, Germany, earlier in the year, which provided an opportunity for both countries to explore areas of mutual interest in steel value chain development, mining, mineral processing, engineering, technology transfer and industrial investment.
According to him, the presence of the German delegation in Nigeria demonstrates the growing interest of German industries in the country’s industrial sector and presents an opportunity to build sustainable partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to both nations.
Prince Audu noted that Nigeria possesses significant mineral and metallurgical raw material resources, alongside a large and growing market with substantial opportunities for industrial development. He emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Steel Development, is committed to creating an enabling environment for a competitive, technology-driven and sustainable steel industry capable of supporting infrastructure development, manufacturing, job creation and economic diversification.
He further identified key areas for potential collaboration, including the deployment of modern technologies, equipment manufacturing and supply, mineral processing, steel production, engineering services, capacity development, technology transfer and the development of local value chains. Also, he conveyed the Ministry’s interest in exploring opportunities for German Original Equipment Manufacturers to participate in ongoing and emerging projects within Nigeria’s steel and metallurgical sectors.
In a statement by Ijomah E. Opia,for Head Press & PR,the Minister described the delegation’s visit as a significant milestone in the shared efforts of Nigeria and Germany to establish a robust, high-technology and mutually beneficial industrial partnership. He expressed optimism that discussions during the visit would lead to the identification of specific areas of collaboration and the development of partnerships capable of strengthening industrial development in both countries.
Prince Audu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations with Germany in the steel and metallurgical sectors, expressing confidence that the engagement would further consolidate the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, his Excellency, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, stated that the visit is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, his Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who thought it wise to create the Ministry of Steel Development in order to revitalize the steel sector for the industrialization of the country.
Earlier during his presentation, the Head of the German Delegation, Dr. Chux Onaa, stated that the VDMA-German Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) visit to the Ministry is to enable them consolidate on areas of collaboration and investment for the development of the steel sector in Nigeria, adding that the organization has the technology to support raw materials processing in the cement and building materials industry.
