Nigeria News Today: Ajaokuta Steel Will Bounce Back Soon – AbdulRaheem
By Enemona Samuel Endurance, Abuja
The Bureau News reports that Hon. Sanni Egidi AbdulRaheem, the Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has assured Nigerians that the Ajaokuta Steel Company will soon be fully revived and operational.
Independence Day Message of Hope
In his 65th Independence Day statement, AbdulRaheem called on Nigerians—and especially his Ajaokuta constituents—to remain hopeful as renewed efforts continue to restore the once world-class steel complex.
“I wish to specially commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment and bold steps toward the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. For decades, this iconic project has remained dormant, representing unfulfilled promises to our people,” the lawmaker said.
Tinubu’s Renewed Political Will
AbdulRaheem highlighted Tinubu’s creation of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the appointment of a Kogi-born technocrat as its pioneer minister, as well as the appointment of a substantive Managing Director for Ajaokuta Steel Company. He emphasized that both appointees have demonstrated capacity and commitment to reviving the project.
“The President’s dedication to industrialisation and his focus on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex demonstrates genuine commitment to economic transformation and job creation for our teeming youth population,” he added.
Rebuking Dangote’s Remarks
The lawmaker strongly condemned recent remarks allegedly made by business mogul Aliko Dangote, who reportedly likened Ajaokuta Steel Company to a graveyard. AbdulRaheem described the comments as insensitive and disrespectful.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company is a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial potential, not a graveyard. It represents the dreams and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who believe in our capacity for industrial self-sufficiency,” he said.
He stressed that constructive criticism is acceptable, but derogatory remarks that undermine national assets are “counterproductive and unpatriotic.”
Support from State Government
AbdulRaheem commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting security measures around the steel complex and for creating an enabling environment for host communities.
Nigeria News Today: Industrial Renaissance for Ajaokuta
The Bureau News notes that the revival of Ajaokuta Steel has long been seen as pivotal to Nigeria’s industrialisation. AbdulRaheem reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the voices of Ajaokuta constituents are heard in the corridors of power.
“This project is not just about steel production; it represents hope, economic empowerment, and industrial renaissance for Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large,” he concluded.
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