President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to revitalizing Ajaokuta Steel Company, a strategic step toward bolstering national security. Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, highlighted the significance of locally producing military hardware to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. The partnership with the Ministry of Steel Development is deemed crucial, given that a substantial portion of the materials needed for military hardware production is steel.
Minister Badaru highlighted the necessity of reducing reliance on foreign production, citing the urgency posed by current security challenges in the country. The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Company, historically recognized for its local production of military hardware, is envisioned as a key solution to address insurgency and related crimes.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, echoed the sentiment that reviving Ajaokuta Steel would have a transformative impact on the Nigerian industry and economy. Funding constraints had previously stalled production, but with the right initiatives, the minister expressed optimism that Ajaokuta Steel could be revived within the first four years of President Tinubu’s administration.
Prince Audu emphasized the diverse production capabilities of Ajaokuta Steel Company, including a unit dedicated to military hardware. Collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the steel company could potentially equip the nation with the capacity to meet its military hardware needs domestically.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, outlined the purpose of the meeting—to progress discussions and develop a step-by-step approach to realize the ambitious goal of reviving Ajaokuta Steel within the next four years. This collaborative effort aligns with the broader vision of enhancing national security and boosting the economy through indigenous industrial revitalization.
