A new leadership chapter has commenced in Nigeria’s industrial administration following a formal handover ceremony held on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Abuja, where the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, and the Permanent Secretary, Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, officially exchanged leadership roles.
The redeployment, approved by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aimed at strengthening administrative leadership and enhancing service delivery across the two key ministries central to Nigeria’s industrial development.
Speaking during the ceremony, the incoming Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Osaruwanwem, expressed gratitude to God and commended Ambassador Rimi for his leadership and professionalism over the years.
He described the diplomat as a seasoned public servant with the competence required to steer the steel sector toward greater productivity and national impact.
Reflecting on his tenure as the pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Osaruwanwem noted that significant efforts were made to establish the institutional structure of the ministry, manage its human and material resources effectively, and support the Honourable Minister in advancing the growth of Nigeria’s steel industry.
He stressed that the steel sector remains a fundamental pillar of national industrialization, explaining that no country can achieve sustainable industrial growth without a strong and functional steel base. According to him, strengthening the sector will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported steel products, conserve foreign exchange, and attract greater investment into the economy.
He expressed confidence that Ambassador Rimi would consolidate on the achievements already recorded and further advance the mandate of the ministry, while urging directors and staff to extend to him the same cooperation and support that ensured progress during his tenure.
“Ambassador Rimi possesses the experience and leadership capacity required to take the steel sector to greater heights, and I am confident he will build on the foundation already laid,” Dr. Osaruwanwem said.
In his remarks, Ambassador Rimi described his new assignment as a great honour and pledged to sustain and expand the progress made by his predecessor.
He noted that the decision by President Tinubu to approve the swap of the two Permanent Secretaries was timely and strategic, adding that their combined experience across the public service would strengthen the work of both ministries.
Ambassador Rimi reaffirmed the commitment of the civil service to effective and efficient service delivery, emphasizing that public servants must remain dedicated to national development regardless of where they are posted.
He expressed confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the staff of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and called for teamwork in achieving the ministry’s objectives.
“With over three decades of experience in the foreign service, I am committed to working closely with colleagues and stakeholders to advance the development of Nigeria’s steel sector,” Ambassador Rimi stated.
He also appreciated the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, and the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, for their unwavering support, describing the ministry’s leadership and staff as dedicated professionals who are supportive and easy to work with.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Director of Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion Department, Mr. Ime Ikrikpo, described the occasion as a significant moment that highlights the long-standing partnership between the steel sector and the industry and trade sector.
He recalled that both ministries have collaborated on major initiatives, including the National Industrial Revolution Plan, which was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base and stimulate economic growth.
“This transition underscores the enduring synergy between the steel sector and the broader industrial development agenda of the country,” Ikrikpo noted.
In her closing remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, thanked God for the successful ceremony and described the leadership transition as smooth and remarkable.
She expressed confidence that both Permanent Secretaries would continue to contribute meaningfully to the progress of their respective ministries and the advancement of Nigeria’s industrial sector.
“This seamless transition reflects the professionalism of the civil service and the shared commitment to national development,” Idika said.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the handover documents by the two Permanent Secretaries in the presence of directors, staff members, and representatives of the media.
Augustina Obilor-Duru
Head Press and PR
