The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, says the federal government is now at an advanced stage in its efforts to revive the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi State.
He made this known over the weekend during a gathering with members and key figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his residence in Ogbonicha, a community in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the minister, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the Ajaokuta plant. This agreement marks a critical move toward finally breathing life into one of Nigeria’s most ambitious but stalled industrial projects.
To further support the revival, the federal government is also in talks with potential investors from China. This international outreach is part of a broader strategy to bring in both technical expertise and financial backing to ensure the plant becomes operational after decades of setbacks.
Audu, who is spearheading this renewed effort, said, “We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly.”
He noted that this step is in line with the reform plans and economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, the administration is focused on rebuilding the country’s key infrastructure, which includes a vibrant steel sector capable of driving industrial growth and job creation.
The minister added that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has begun to see changes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He pointed to the increase in FAAC (Federation Account Allocation Committee) disbursements as a benefit for states like Kogi, helping to fund local projects and welfare programmes.
“The impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda is being felt. There is a visible reduction in the prices of food, and states are getting more financial support to meet the needs of their people,” Audu said.
