The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu (left) and the Director General/Chief Executive, National Metallurgical Development Center (NMDC), Jos, Engr. Prof. Linus O. Asuquo, on the occasion of the Maiden Working Visit of the Permanent Secretary to NMDC, Jos.
By Victoria Onehi
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, has said the collaboration between the Ministry and NMDC will be strengthened to ensure alignment with national metallurgical and industrial development goals.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed this during a two-day familiarisation visit to the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) in Jos, Plateau State, from September 4th to 5th, 2025.
Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening oversight, align mandates, identify gaps, promote synergy, and generate policy inputs to drive metallurgical and industrial development in Nigeria.
Dr. Isokpunwu and his delegation received a strategic briefing on NMDC’s mandate, achievements, and current programmes.Also,core research and metallurgical facilities were inspected to identify areas for improvement, Critical challenges, resource gaps, and areas requiring Federal Government intervention were identified.
In a statement by the Principal Information Officer in the Ministry Mr Ijomah Ipia, the Permanent Secretary said the familiarisation tour is expected to yield positive outcomes for the development of Nigeria’s metallurgical sector.
The Permanent Secretary was accompanied on the visit and tour of the facility by the Director Human Resources Management, Dr. Mrs Ijeoma Idika, other technical directors and technical aids from the Ministry.
Speaking earlier during his welcome address, the Director General/Chief Executive of the center, Engr. Prof. Linus Asuquo, said that the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC) Jos, which is Nigeria’s premier research institution in minerals and steel development, is happy to host a landmark visit of delegation from the Ministry ably led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu.
He presented a comprehensive overview of NMDC’s achievements, challenges, and future plans.
He stated:
”NMDC Jos has made significant progress since 2019, achieving milestones in research, maintenance, and collaboration with various institutions.The Centre has successfully initiated and maintained partnerships with notable organisations, including Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Nasarawa State University Keffi, and Mintek South Africa.
“NMDC has generated ₦3,390,094.75 in revenue and completed various capital projects, including the Heat Treatment Plant project.The Centre is currently engaged in research on melting cast iron scrap and producing grinding plates, with potential applications in various industries.
”We are confident that under your stewardship, NMDC will receive the needed attention to fulfill its mandate. We assure you of our unwavering cooperation and commitment as partners in the drive to revitalize Nigeria’s steel sector for the benefit of our great nation.” Asuquo noted.
He added that the Permanent Secretary visit marks a new dawn of collaboration, progress, and renewed hope for NMDC Jos and the Nigerian steel industry, as the Centre looks forward to continued support and engagement with the Ministry to realise its mandate as the technical driver of Nigeria’s steel and industrial development.
