FG Trains 535 Youths in Welding, Fabrication to Revive Steel Industry
The Federal Government has successfully trained 535 Nigerian youths in welding, fabrication, and metallurgy at the Metallurgical Training Institute (MTI) in Onitsha, Anambra State, as part of efforts to reposition the nation’s steel and metal sectors for industrial transformation.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Steel Development under the leadership of Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, aims to equip young Nigerians with specialized technical skills to support the country’s economic diversification drive.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Bootcamp Training Programme on May 23, 2025, Minister Audu described the program as more than just a skills acquisition exercise.
“This is not just about training and equipment empowerment; it is also about character development, discipline, and cultivating a mindset geared towards innovation, entrepreneurship, and service to the nation,” he said.
He emphasized that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s industrial sector through targeted investment in youth capacity building and infrastructure. The program is part of a broader strategy to revamp the long-neglected metallurgical and steel industries, critical sectors for job creation and sustainable development.
The Director of the Metallurgical Inspectorate Department, Engr. Frederick Ewa, provided further insight into the bootcamp, calling it a strategic movement aimed at reigniting Nigeria’s metal and steel value chain.
“By investing in our most invaluable resource the youth we are sowing the seeds for industrial revival,” Ewa said.
Held at MTI Onitsha, the training combined classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience in welding and fabrication techniques aligned with industry standards. Participants were also empowered with start-up kits to help them transition into the workforce or entrepreneurial ventures.
Analysts have welcomed the move, noting that consistent investment in technical education and local talent development is key to building a competitive manufacturing base in Nigeria and reducing dependency on imported steel and engineering expertise.
With the success of this first phase, the Ministry of Steel Development is expected to replicate the training in other parts of the country, expanding opportunities for youth empowerment and industrial growth.
