By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, has pledged that the company will raise the number of women engineers in its workforce to 60 per cent, affirming that women have immense potential to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Prof. Abdulsalam made the commitment on Tuesday while speaking as Guest Speaker at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Revitalising Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector through Innovative Engineering Solutions”, the Ajaokuta Steel boss stressed that conversations about reviving Nigeria’s manufacturing sector are both urgent and unavoidable as the country strives for economic growth, diversification beyond oil, and global competitiveness.
“Manufacturing is the process of control, logic, and creativity that drives technological advancement and national security. One major way to curb insecurity is to be deliberate about production that engages the youth—by doing so, over 80 percent of insecurity challenges can be addressed,” he stated.
Prof. Abdulsalam expressed concern that despite its potential, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector contributed only 9.62 per cent to the nation’s GDP in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. He argued that this figure highlights the need for innovation, engineering excellence, and strategic thinking to reposition the sector.
Tracing history, he noted that the 1970s and 80s marked a period of progress when government investments in infrastructure boosted industrial growth, leading to the establishment of Ajaokuta Steel and several rolling mills. However, policy reversals, oil shocks, trade restrictions, and poor access to raw materials triggered a decline in the 1980s—a situation worsened by overreliance on oil exports and neglect of manufacturing.
He further urged Nigeria to learn from industrial models in China, South Korea, and Japan, emphasising long-term investment in research and development, aligned policy frameworks, and collaboration between engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
“By thoughtfully adapting proven international strategies, Nigeria can lay the foundation for sustainable industrial growth, create employment opportunities, boost competitiveness, and drive inclusive national development,” Abdulsalam concluded.
In his remarks, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, described the conference theme as timely, noting that Nigeria’s pathway to sustainable development lies in industrial revival, job creation, and harnessing innovation as the backbone of manufacturing.
Also speaking, APWEN National President, Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim, said 2025 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the association, citing initiatives that empowered thousands of young girls, advanced the professional development of women engineers, and bridged gaps between academia, industry, and policy.
“The theme reflects our conviction that the power to transform Nigeria’s manufacturing sector lies in innovation, collaboration, and engineering excellence. This is not mere rhetoric but a vision backed by actionable outcomes,” she said.
The event was graced by dignitaries including the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde; Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Margaret Oguntala; COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubai Abubakar; CEO, MicCom Cables and Wires Limited, Mrs. Bukola Adubi; Fellows of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and several other distinguished guests.
