– To institutionalized industrial bootcamp
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The National Assembly has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to revive Nigeria’s steel and metallurgical sector, with assurances that the Youth Industrial Bootcamp Training Programme will receive legislative backing to become an annual intervention initiative.
This pledge was made at the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the Bootcamp organized by the Ministry of Steel Development, where 535 young Nigerians graduated after undergoing intensive training in welding and fabrication, industrial metallurgy, and mechanical maintenance at the Metallurgical Training Institute, MTI, Onitsha.
Representing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Steel, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chief Etiebat Nwachukwu hailed the programme as “a well-structured, results-oriented intervention that must be institutionalized to secure its future impact.”
He said, “This bootcamp should not be a one-off. The Ministry can count on the National Assembly to provide legislative support that will ensure its continuity and expansion across the country. We are committed to ensuring the steel sector becomes a vital component of Nigeria’s industrial base and job creation drive.”
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, affirmed the Ministry’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 through industrialization and human capital development.
Audu emphasized that the Bootcamp programme reflects a larger national strategy to reposition the steel sector as a major contributor to infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology advancement.
He said, “We have trained 535 patriotic, skilled youths to become the bedrock of Nigeria’s steel and metallurgical transformation. But the long-term success of this initiative requires not only executive support but sustained legislative commitment.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, also highlighted the importance of institutional support. “This is a blueprint for sustainable youth engagement and sectoral growth. With parliamentary approval, we can scale this programme, deepen its reach, and standardize training for maximum economic impact.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Metallurgical Inspectorate Department, Engr. Frederick Ewa, described the Bootcamp as “a clarion call to action.” He revealed that the initiative attracted over 258,000 applications nationwide, with 700 selected through a transparent, merit-driven process.
Ewa said participants were trained in batches using industry-grade equipment and were equipped with starter packs at the end of the programme, ready to enter the workforce or start small-scale businesses.
“This is more than training; it’s the seed of a legislative-backed industrial renaissance,” Ewa said.
The Ministry’s call for institutionalization received praise from Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, represented by Commissioner Christine Udechukwu.
She said, “We commend the Federal Government for this proactive investment in our youths. Legislative support will ensure that this initiative lives beyond political cycles and drives long-term economic inclusion.”
