By Gloria Akudoro
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, has resumed duty as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, after taking over from Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu during a formal handover ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Tine-Iulun M. A, Ambassador Rimi was recently redeployed from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
During the handover ceremony, the outgoing PS, Dr. Isokpunwu, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the ministry for their cooperation and dedication throughout his tenure.
He highlighted key initiatives and progress recorded in advancing the Federal Government’s vision of revitalizing Nigeria’s steel sector, emphasising that no nation can attain sustainable industrial development without a vibrant and functional steel industry.
Congratulating Ambassador Rimi on his redeployment to the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Isokpunwu expressed confidence in his ability to provide effective leadership that would further strengthen the Ministry’s mandate to develop a dynamic and globally competitive steel industry in Nigeria.
He also urged the management and staff of the Ministry to extend to the new Permanent Secretary the same level of cooperation and support he enjoyed during his tenure.
In his response, Ambassador Rimi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and vowed to building on the achievements of his predecessor and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance the Ministry’s strategic objectives.
Describing the steel sector as a critical pillar for Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification, Ambassador Rimi pledged to promote policies and initiatives that will attract investment, enhance local production capacity, and strengthen the value chain within the steel industry.
The ceremony was attended by Directors, senior management staff, and other officials of the Ministry, who expressed their support and readiness to work with the new Permanent Secretary in delivering on the Ministry’s mandate.
