The National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), Jos is aparastatal under the Ministry ofMines and Steel Development (MMSD), responsible for carrying out research and development work on solid minerals, as well as on metallurgical processes. It was established in 1973 as the Testing Laboratory of the defunct Nigerian Steel Development Authority (NSDA), to specifically handle the analyses of raw materials for the then proposed state steel plants. It later metamorphosed into Metallurgical Research and Tests Division of the National Steel Council, with a broader scope to carry out Research and Development activities in metallurgical processes for the benefit of the emergent steel plants, after abrogation of the Decree establishing the NSDA.

The capacity of the Centre was considerably enhanced with the assistance of the United Nations through its UNDP/UNIDO programmes between 1981 and 1992. UNDP/UNIDO drew up a master plan that would position NMDC to carry out effective research and development activities in the metallurgical and solid mineral sectors.  Consequently, the scope of activities of the Centre was broadened and given a solid base in order to meet current demands in metallurgical and solid minerals industries. 

The name National Metallurgical Development Centre was adopted in 1987 and the Centre was given legal backing by Decree No. 50 of 1992.