The Nigerian Metallurgical Society, NMS, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the metal industry.

This was part of the communique issued by the body after its Annual Conference which ended in Enugu, on Saturday.

In the communique signed by the Society’s President, Engr. Prof. O.B. Oloche, the umbrella body of all metallurgists stressed the need to revitalise the moribund metal industries in Nigeria.

It said the aim of this year’s conference was to challenge governments, industries, relevant metal companies, the academia, and research institutions to engage in actions that would enable the nation to become an active participant in the metal industries.

Among other recommendations, the Society advocated that “all necessary government policies concerning development of metal industries should be put in place and their implementations vigorously pursued to actualize the establishment and operationalization of the metal industries at the downstream and upstream sectors.

“In addition to infrastructure, the government should strengthen the regulatory framework governing the metal industries, ensuring transparency, and boosting investor confidence to attract both domestic and foreign investments.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria should declare a state of emergency in the metal industries in order to revitalise the moribund metal industries in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria should ensure that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2024 between the original builders of Ajaokuta Steel Plant Messrs, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), members of their consortium and Nigeria for the Rehabilitation, Completion and Operation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant (ASP) and National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in Kogi State, should be pursued to a logical and viable conclusion. This move is highly commendable as it will go a long way to re energise metal industries in Nigeria.

“The Society urges the government to, matter of urgency, settle the rift delaying the re-take-off of Aluminium Smelter Company (ALSCON), Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. This company will meet both local and regional demands for aluminium, a major input in the metal industries.

“Massive investment in Research and Development, Capacity building, and adoption of modern technology essential for revitalising metal industries greatly improve productivity and reduce waste.

“Deliberate development of our mining sector will enable the building of a resilient local supply chain that is essential to reduce dependence on importation of metallic materials.

“Adequate financial investment from the Federal Government, private sector and international investors is paramount for the establishment and running of medium and small scale metal industries.”

It added that to address the challenges facing the sector, “there must be cooperation between public and private sectors.

“Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are vital to ensure investment in infrastructure, access financing, and alignment of growth strategies with market needs.

The theme of the conference and general meeting of the Society was “Economic Recovery Through The Development of Metal Industries”.

The conference was attended by members of the Society from across the country.

Declare state of emergency on metal industry – Metallurgical Society tells Nigerian Govt