The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has affirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s administration to revitalize and reposition Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The aim is to enable the company to produce military hardware, bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to combat insecurity.
This commitment was emphasized during a meeting at Ship House, Abuja, where the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Sumaila Abdul Akaba, were received.
Badaru highlighted the company’s history of local military hardware production and stressed the imperative of partnering with the Ministry of Steel Development. He noted that 80/90% of the materials required for military hardware production are steel-based.
Strengthening the company’s capacity for local military hardware production would significantly enhance the nation’s security amidst ongoing crises, Badaru asserted.
To actualize this revitalization, the Minister directed the establishment of a Technical Committee. Its mandate includes determining production specifics, required raw materials, revival costs, and potential funding sources. He urged members, including the Permanent Secretary, the Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, to deliver a comprehensive report within two weeks.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, expressed optimism about Ajaokuta Steel’s revival, citing past financial constraints causing production delays. He projected a revival within the first four years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration if initiatives were put in place.
Highlighting the company’s potential, Audu noted its 48 production units, including a dedicated unit for military hardware. He emphasized that collaboration with the Ministry of Defence could enhance the company’s capability to meet Nigeria’s military hardware needs.
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, emphasized the meeting’s goal: to chart a step-by-step approach to realizing Ajaokuta Steel’s revival within the next four years.
