The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has proposed a daring proposal to reinvigorate the Ajaokuta Steel Company, in a significant move under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. The primary goal is to position the corporation as a central focus for indigenous military hardware manufacture, with the goal of bolstering the nation’s capabilities in tackling pressing security concerns.
During a pivotal meeting with the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Sumaila Abdul Akaba, Minister Badaru underscored the historical significance of Ajaokuta Steel Company in the production of local military hardware. Emphasizing that steel constitutes 90% of the materials required for military hardware production, he stressed the vital importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Steel Development.
Minister Badaru highlighted the urgency of localizing military hardware production, stating, “Given the current security crisis, relying on other countries for military hardware is not a viable option.”
To kickstart the revitalization effort, Minister Badaru mandated the formation of a Technical Committee. Comprising the Permanent Secretary, Director-General of Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, the committee is tasked with delineating production specifics, identifying raw materials, estimating revival costs, and exploring potential funding sources. The minister urged the committee to work diligently and ambitiously, expecting a comprehensive report on the way forward within two weeks.
In response, Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu expressed optimism about the prospects of revitalizing Ajaokuta Steel Company. Despite past production setbacks due to funding challenges, he believes that with the right initiatives, Ajaokuta Steel can be revived and operational within the first four years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
