Meet Our Ministers

Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu
Honorable Minister of Steel Development

Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu was born to the Late Prince Abubakar Audu in Kogi. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from the University of Leicester, in the United Kingdom, in 2001. He earned a Master's Degree (M.Sc.) in International Securities, Investment, and Banking (ISIB) from Henley Business School, University of Reading. Audu also obtained a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Oxford in 2013, where he was a member of St. Hugh's College. Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has over 20 years of experience in Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth Management within the Financial Services Sector. He started his career at the then - Investment Banking and Trust Company Limited (IBTC) in the Global Markets and Treasury Department for two (2) years within the Corporate & Investment Banking Division. He then moved to Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited as one of the pioneer promoters, and together with his colleagues in the Banking Group, they set up the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), which is currently the largest in Nigeria. They equally set up the Investment Management Desk, and he was later appointed as an Executive Director in the Asset Management Subsidiary. In 2013–2023, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu became the Chief Executive Officer of the Venture Capital Business at Stanbic IBTC Group. He has worked and garnered experience at various banks, including the Bank of New York Melon in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Credit Suisse Global Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, amongst others. Sequel to his vast experience in the private sector over the years, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu decided to bring his experience to bear in governance by showing interest in politics. He participated in the recently concluded governorship primary election in Kogi State in April 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his appointment to the office of the Honourable Minister of Steel Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on August 21, 2023.

Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu is a seasoned public servant and distinguished health expert, currently serving as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Nigeria. With a career spanning over two decades in the public sector, Dr. Isokpunwu has earned a reputation for his expertise in health planning, research, and policy formulation. His leadership in the Department of Health Planning Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health was marked by significant advancements in national health strategies and the effective implementation of key health programmes. Throughout his career, Dr. Isokpunwu has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving public health outcomes in Nigeria. His work has been instrumental in shaping policies that address the country’s most pressing health challenges. His dedication to service was recognized with his recent appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary, a role in which he now oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development. In his current role, Dr. Isokpunwu is focused on leveraging his extensive administrative experience to drive industrial growth and development within Nigeria’s steel sector. His vision is to enhance the country’s industrial capabilities through effective governance, policy innovation, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Dr. Isokpunwu’s leadership is poised to make a lasting impact on the nation’s economic development and industrialization efforts.

Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu
Permanent Secretary

Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu is a seasoned public servant and distinguished health expert, currently serving as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Nigeria. With a career spanning over two decades in the public sector, Dr. Isokpunwu has earned a reputation for his expertise in health planning, research, and policy formulation. His leadership in the Department of Health Planning Research and Statistics at the Federal Ministry of Health was marked by significant advancements in national health strategies and the effective implementation of key health programmes. Throughout his career, Dr. Isokpunwu has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving public health outcomes in Nigeria. His work has been instrumental in shaping policies that address the country’s most pressing health challenges. His dedication to service was recognized with his recent appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary, a role in which he now oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development. In his current role, Dr. Isokpunwu is focused on leveraging his extensive administrative experience to drive industrial growth and development within Nigeria’s steel sector. His vision is to enhance the country’s industrial capabilities through effective governance, policy innovation, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Dr. Isokpunwu’s leadership is poised to make a lasting impact on the nation’s economic development and industrialization efforts.

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