Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-29 09:35:04
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, recently reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reviving the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Mill during a visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau in Jos. Audu emphasized that the Ajaokuta steel mill, situated in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi, was a massive project conceived over 45 years ago to drive development in Nigeria. He expressed disappointment that the project had been neglected by past administrations, lasting over four and a half decades without receiving the necessary attention.
Audu highlighted the renewed focus under President Tinubu to revitalize the steel plant and promote development in the country. The administration’s key agenda is to revive the plant and has instructed a collegiate approach to achieve this goal. One significant step includes seeking a concession partner with expertise in steel production to manage the technical aspects of the mill, allowing it to restart operations.
Due to the substantial funds required to revive the entire plant, the government has opted to approach the revitalization in stages. Audu mentioned that reviving the light steel unit, capable of producing iron rods, would be the initial phase. The government is finalizing a N35 billion funding from a local financial institution to kickstart this phase. The aim is to gradually revamp the Ajaokuta steel mill with the cooperation of key partners like the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC).
Governor Mutfwang praised President Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing critical sectors and completing abandoned projects. He emphasized the importance of steel production for national development and recognized the potential benefits of reviving the Ajaokuta steel mill for the country. Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s alignment with Tinubu’s vision of completing essential projects in Plateau that had been previously abandoned.
During the visit, Audu also toured the Gbong Gwom Jos palace and the Zuma Steel Rolling Mills, formerly known as the Jos Steel Rolling Mills, to assess the existing facilities. The minister’s engagement with key stakeholders and the commitment to reviving the Ajaokuta steel mill reflects a significant step towards boosting the steel industry and promoting economic growth in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts between the federal government, local institutions, and industry partners signify a strategic approach to address the challenges faced by the Ajaokuta steel mill. The commitment to revitalize this vital project demonstrates a broader commitment to industrial development and economic growth in Nigeria. The journey to revive the Ajaokuta steel mill is poised to bring about positive transformations in the steel sector and contribute to the overall advancement of the country’s industrial landscape.
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