The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Tuesday, November 5, 2025, received in audience the Managing Director/CEO of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, and the Executive Management team of the Commission, who paid him a courtesy in Abuja to discuss areas of collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of the North Central region.
Speaking during the visit, the MD/CEO of the Commission, Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, said that the steel sector remains a critical pillar for the sustainable development of the North Central region. He noted that under the Act establishing the Commission, one of its core mandates is to harness the vast natural and mineral resources within the zone to drive inclusive growth and regional prosperity.
Dr. Tsenyil stated that “We believe that we cannot drive meaningful development in the region without paying attention to the steel sector. There are many steel facilities that were started but are still lying fallow across the zone, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Jos Steel Rolling Mill, which are under the purview of your Ministry.
“As a development commission, we would like to collaborate with your ministry to rehabilitate these moribund facilities and harness the rich mineral resources, including rare earth minerals that can catalyse industrial growth in the region.”
Dr. Tsenyil further highlighted that part of the Commission’s mandate includes improving railway connectivity across the zone, noting that steel and related raw materials are vital to achieving this objective.
He expressed optimism that technical collaboration with the Ministry would help unlock the region’s full economic potential.
In his response, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, commended the NCDC for its proactive initiative and described the Commission as a critical institution for the transformation of the North Central geopolitical zone.
He said the engagement was very important, especially as a Minister from the North Central region, adding that there are several areas where both institutions can collaborate and upscale synergy for the benefit of the people and the nation at large.
Prince Audu reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the NCDC to implement joint initiatives that will accelerate industrialisation, create employment opportunities, and ensure sustainable utilisation of mineral resources for the benefit of Nigerians, especially those from the North Central geopolitical zone.
Also in attendance at the meeting were other Executive Directors of the Commission, including Princess Atika Ajanah, Executive Director, Projects; Hajia Biliquis Jumoke Sanni, Executive Director, Administration and Human Resources; Aisha Rufai Ibrahim, Executive Director, Commercial and Industrial Development; Prof. Muhammad Bashar, Executive Director, Finance; and Mr. James Uloko, Executive Director, Corporate Services.
Lizzy Okoji
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development,
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
November 6, 2025
