FG Committed to Reviving Ajaokuta Steel Mill: Minister

In a recent visit to Plateau State, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.

The steel mill, located in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been neglected for over 45 years, but the new administration has demonstrated the political will to revive the project as part of its Renewed Hope initiative.

The Minister mentioned that President Tinubu had asked the ministry to find a concession partner with expertise in steel production to manage the technical aspects of the mill.

Due to the high cost of reviving the entire plant, estimated at two to five billion dollars, the government is adopting a piecemeal approach.

The first step involves reviving the light steel unit to produce iron rods, with a N35 billion funding from a local financial institution.

During his visit, the Minister also assessed facilities at the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), which plays a crucial role in driving the process of steel production in Nigeria.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and commended President Tinubu for his commitment to completing abandoned projects.

Governor Mutfwang also highlighted the importance of steel to the development of the nation and emphasized that the country would benefit greatly once the Ajaokuta steel mill is revived.

In line with the President’s vision, the Plateau State government is also working on completing critical abandoned projects.

The Minister’s visit included meetings with the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, and a visit to the Zuma Steel Rolling Mills, formerly known as the Jos Steel Rolling Mills.

The revival of the Ajaokuta steel mill is a significant step towards the development and growth of Nigeria.

With President Tinubu’s commitment and the support of the Ministry of Steel Development, the project is expected to create jobs, boost the economy, and contribute to the overall development of the country.