Joseph Odumodu, director general of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has stated at the commissioning of the thermo-mechanically treated steel plant Phoenix Steel Mills Limited in Ogijo in the Nigerian state of Ogun that Nigeria is getting closer to becoming self-sufficient in steel production, as reported by African media sources.
Mr. Odumodu said that, despite the efforts of past governments from the 1970s up to the present, including the signing of international bilateral agreements and exchange programs for transfer of technological know-how in steel manufacture, the sector is yet to attain its desired level of growth.
However, he continued, "No sooner than before the end of this year, Nigeria will become self-sufficient in the production of reinforcement steel bars," adding that various companies in the steel and iron rod sector are beginning to spring up as a result of the government's intervention to encourage private sector participation in the steel sector.