The Federal Government has attained an advanced stage in its efforts to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company, according to the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.
The minister made this known over the weekend during a meeting with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Audu disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the Ajaokuta plant as part of renewed efforts to resuscitate the facility.
He further noted that the Federal Government has expanded its investment drive to China in search of credible private sector partners willing to inject capital and technical expertise into the steel complex.
“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly,” the Minister said.
He attributed the latest developments to the broader economic and industrial policies of the Tinubu administration, adding that the revival of Ajaokuta aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategic agenda to reposition the nation’s economy through the steel sector.
According to the Minister, the administration remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges and improving the welfare of citizens across all geopolitical zones.
“In just two years, Mr President has shown strong political will and commitment to transform Nigeria. State FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State has directly benefited from this boost,” Audu stated.
He also referenced the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the present administration, asserting that its impact is already being felt at the grassroots level, with recent reductions in the prices of some staple commodities serving as evidence.
In his remarks, the State Secretary of the APC, Mr Joshua Onoja, commended the minister for convening the stakeholders’ forum and reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for the re-election of President Tinubu.
He assured that the APC in Kogi remains united and firmly aligned with the President’s vision.
The meeting was attended by a wide array of stakeholders, including local government chairmen and secretaries, councillors, serving and former members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, party stalwarts, members of the Audu/Faleke Support Group, and representatives from Kogi Central and West Senatorial Districts.
The gathering was characterised by strong expressions of support for both the Tinubu administration and the Minister’s ongoing efforts to reposition the steel sector for national development.
