A leadership change has taken place within two key federal ministries following the approval of a strategic redeployment of Permanent Secretaries by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial administration.
The development was formalized on Friday, March 13, 2026, during a handover ceremony held in Abuja, where Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem and Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi officially exchanged leadership positions between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Under the new arrangement, Dr. Osaruwanwem moved to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as Permanent Secretary, while Ambassador Rimi took over as Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Osaruwanwem expressed gratitude to God and commended Ambassador Rimi for his dedication and professionalism in public service. He described the diplomat as a seasoned administrator with the competence required to reposition Nigeria’s steel sector for greater productivity.
Reflecting on his tenure as the pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Osaruwanwem said efforts were made to establish the ministry’s institutional structure, manage its human and material resources, and support the minister in driving the growth of the nation’s steel industry.
He stressed that a strong steel sector remains fundamental to Nigeria’s industrialisation, noting that no country can achieve sustainable industrial growth without a 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.
Osaruwanwem also urged directors and staff of the ministry to extend the same cooperation and support to Ambassador Rimi that contributed to the progress recorded during his tenure.
Responding, Ambassador Rimi described his new assignment as a great honour and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor.
He said the decision by President Tinubu to approve the redeployment was timely and strategic, adding that their combined experience in the public service would enhance the performance of both ministries.
“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,” he said.
Rimi also reaffirmed the commitment of the civil service to effective service delivery, stressing that public servants must remain dedicated to national development regardless of their postings.
He further appreciated the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan Enoh, for their support and leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Director of Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion Department, Mr. Ime Ikrikpo, described the occasion as a significant moment reflecting the long-standing collaboration between the steel sector and the broader industry and trade ecosystem.
He recalled that both ministries had previously worked together on major initiatives, including the National Industrial Revolution Plan, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and stimulating economic growth.
Also speaking, the Director of Human Resource Management at the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, described the transition as smooth and remarkable, noting that it reflects the professionalism of the civil service.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of handover documents by the two Permanent Secretaries in the presence of directors, ministry staff and members of the media.
