FG gears up to revive Ajaokuta Steel Plant

By Oke PeterThe Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, says the federal government has reached an advance stage in its bid to revive the comatose Ajaokuta steel company in Kogi State.The minister disclosed this at the weekend while hosting stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area of the state . Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu

He said the federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant to that effect.

The minister added that the government has extended the search for private investors to China to invest in the steel plant, marking it a significant step forward towards its resuscitation finally.

“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly”, Audu said.

He stressed further that the move underscored the bold reforms and developmental strides of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration over the past two years to boom the economy via steel development.

The federal minister emphasised the President’s determination to resolve Nigeria’s pressing challenges, grow the economy, improve the welfare of citizens, and deliver dividends of democracy across the country.

He noted that the impact of the “Renewed Hope” agenda is already being felt at the grassroots, citing examples such as the recent drop in the prices of some staple foods.

“In just two years, Mr. President has shown strong political will and commitment to transform Nigeria. State FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State has directly benefitted from this boost,” Audu stated.In his remarks, Mr. Joshua Onoja, the State Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), commended the Minister for convening the session and reaffirmed the party’s total support for the re-election of President Tinubu.He assured that the Kogi APC remains united and committed to President Tinubu’s success.

The APC stakeholders’ meeting was witnessed by chieftains and members of the party, including Executive Chairmen, party stalwarts, the forum of Local Government Chairmen and Secretaries, Councilors from across Kogi East, current and former members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, the Audu/Faleke Support Group, and representatives from Kogi Central and West, as well as a massive crowd of enthusiastic party supporters.