The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has showcased ongoing reforms and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s steel industry at the 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) 2026 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Audu joined the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, alongside ministers and stakeholders from across Africa at the summit, which focused on the theme, “One Africa, One Resource Vision.”
Addressing participants, the Steel Development Minister stressed the importance of harnessing Africa’s abundant natural resources to promote industrialisation, value addition and sustainable economic growth.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to revitalising Nigeria’s steel sector as a key driver of industrial expansion and economic diversification.
According to him, a vibrant steel industry remains critical to achieving the nation’s manufacturing and infrastructure development goals while creating jobs and attracting investments.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, formally declared the summit open.
The President noted that the conference theme underscored Africa’s determination to convert its vast resource wealth into economic strength and shared prosperity for its people.
He urged African countries to move beyond the export of raw materials and instead focus on developing local industries, strengthening value chains and building the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
In his ministerial address, Alake described AFNIS as a vital platform for promoting investment and sustainable development across the continent.
He emphasized the need for African nations to prioritize value addition and industrialisation in order to retain more wealth from their natural resources and accelerate economic transformation.
The summit brought together government officials, investors and industry leaders to explore strategies for unlocking Africa’s natural resource potential and fostering greater economic cooperation across the continent.
