By Amanabo Ocholi
Published: May 21, 2025 | Ogbonicha, Kogi State
The Federal Government of Nigeria has made significant progress in efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, according to the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.
Speaking over the weekend during a strategic meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Audu announced that an advanced stage of negotiations has been reached with international partners to breathe new life into the moribund steel plant.
“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta around and deliver results very quickly,” Audu told the gathering.
🔧 MoU Signed with Ajaokuta’s Original Equipment Manufacturers
The minister revealed that the federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant. He added that the administration is actively courting investors from China to inject private capital into the project—a move he described as a major breakthrough in the effort to industrialize Nigeria through steel development.
📈 Steel Sector Key to Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
Audu praised the bold economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the revival of Ajaokuta is a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted the administration’s focus on improving citizens’ welfare, tackling national challenges, and building a sustainable industrial base.
“In just two years, Mr. President has demonstrated strong political will to transform Nigeria. The economic impact is visible—FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State is among the direct beneficiaries,” he noted.
He also cited a noticeable drop in the prices of staple foods, attributing it to Tinubu’s macroeconomic measures taking root at the grassroots level.
🤝 APC Stakeholders Pledge Loyalty to Tinubu
In his remarks, Mr. Joshua Onoja, State Secretary of the APC, commended Minister Audu’s leadership and reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We are united in Kogi APC and committed to ensuring the continued success of the Tinubu administration,” he said.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by a large delegation of APC faithful, including local government chairmen, party executives, councilors, state lawmakers (past and present), the Audu/Faleke Support Group, and supporters from Kogi East, Central, and West.
