Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Ajaokuta steel plant begins production for Nigeria’s industrialization, creation of jobs and wealth, as well as attracting foreign direct investments.
He gave the reassurance during a three-day working visit to the facility, revealing that the Federal Ministry of Steel Development was working on roadmap that contains a three-year revival plan for revitalisation of the plant and recommendations to designate its area as an industrial park to serve as a free trade zone to attract local and international investors.
The minister noted that in line with the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration is committed to ensuring that the plant, which has been moribund for about 45 years, begins production before the end of its tenure, adding that when revived, the facility would be beneficial to all and create about 500,000 jobs for the teeming youths.
Audu said the visit was to ascertain the operational and non-operational levels of the plant and make recommendations on how to turn it around.Sole Administrator, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Sumaila Abdul-Akab, said the tour would afford the minister and Permanent Secretary first- hand information and investment opportunities that abound in the plant.
He stated that the immense benefits could not be over-emphasised.
