The Federal Government has appealed to scrap metal dealers across Nigeria to suspend their ongoing strike, assuring them that measures are being taken to address their concerns and reform the country’s steel sector.
The appeal followed growing concerns over the impact of the industrial action on businesses and activities within the scrap metal and steel value chain.
The government said it recognised the importance of scrap dealers to the steel industry and the wider Nigerian economy, particularly their role in collecting and supplying recyclable metal materials to steel manufacturers.
It therefore urged the dealers to return to work while discussions continue on resolving the issues that prompted the strike.
Officials said the government was committed to introducing reforms aimed at creating a more organised, transparent and sustainable steel industry.
The proposed reforms are expected to address longstanding challenges within the sector, including regulation, access to raw materials and the relationship between scrap dealers, manufacturers and other stakeholders.
The government also stressed the need for greater collaboration between relevant agencies and industry operators to protect legitimate businesses while curbing activities that undermine the steel sector.
Scrap dealers, however, have continued to press their demands, insisting that their concerns must be properly addressed before the dispute can be resolved.
The latest development comes as the Federal Government seeks to revive Nigeria’s steel industry and reduce the country’s dependence on imported steel products.
Officials said dialogue remained the preferred approach to resolving the dispute and called on all parties to work towards a solution that would protect jobs, businesses and the long-term development of the sector.
