By Joy Onu, Abuja
A major leadership reshuffle has taken place within Nigeria’s industrial administration, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a strategic swap of Permanent Secretaries between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Abuja, where Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanwem, the outgoing Permanent Secretary of Steel Development, officially assumed leadership of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, while Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi took over the steel portfolio.
The redeployment, aimed at strengthening administrative efficiency and service delivery, marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s industrial growth agenda.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Osaruwanwem expressed gratitude to God and lauded Ambassador Rimi’s leadership and professionalism over the years. He described the diplomat as a seasoned public servant capable of advancing the steel sector toward higher productivity and national impact.
Reflecting on his tenure at the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Osaruwanwem highlighted his efforts to build the ministry’s institutional framework, optimize resources, and support the Honourable Minister in advancing Nigeria’s steel industry. He stressed that a strong steel base is vital for sustainable industrial growth, noting that boosting local production would reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, and attract investment.
“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.
Ambassador Rimi, in his remarks, described the assignment as a great honour and pledged to sustain and expand the progress made by his predecessor. He characterized the swap as a timely and strategic decision by President Tinubu, noting that their combined experience across public service would strengthen the work of both ministries.
He reaffirmed the civil service’s commitment to efficient service delivery and urged teamwork to achieve 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 said. He also commended the ministers and staff for their dedication and support.
Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Ime Ikrikpo, Director of Metallurgical Raw Materials Development and Investment Promotion, called the transition a milestone that underscores the synergy between the steel 
sector and wider industrial development, highlighting their collaboration on initiatives like the National Industrial Revolution Plan.
Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, Director of Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Steel Development, described the transition as smooth and remarkable, expressing confidence that both Permanent Secretaries would continue to drive progress in their respective ministries.
The handover documents were formally signed in the presence of ministry directors, staff, and media representatives, marking a seamless transition and reaffirming the civil service’s commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
