The Nigerian Government has announced renewed efforts to resuscitate the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company, a project seen as central to Nigeria’s industrial future and job creation strategy.
In a major step forward, the government has commenced high-level engagements with top Chinese steel firms, seeking technical collaboration, financial investment, and industrial partnerships to bring the facility back to life.
Leading this initiative is the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, who is currently heading a federal delegation on an investment mission to China aimed at advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
The delegation includes Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, and senior officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing. They have held meetings with major Chinese steel manufacturers including Sino Steel (a subsidiary of Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group, and Jingye Steel Group.
According to a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, the discussions with Chinese firms have focused on technical assessments, operational planning, and financial models required to fully reactivate the Ajaokuta Steel facility.
Minister Audu emphasised the importance of the project, saying: “Our objective is clear — to secure robust technical and financial partnerships that will help us revive Ajaokuta Steel. This facility holds vast potential to drive Nigeria’s industrial growth, stimulate local manufacturing, and generate thousands of jobs.”
He reiterated that reviving Ajaokuta Steel remains a top priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, with plans to achieve this objective before the end of the current government.
Mr Tegbe echoed the minister’s optimism, describing the engagement with Chinese industry leaders as “a strategic move to align China’s industrial strength with Nigeria’s development ambitions.”
“This partnership underscores Nigeria’s determination to foster transformative collaboration that will deliver long-term benefits across manufacturing and infrastructure,” he added.
The renewed push to revive Ajaokuta Steel comes amid increasing calls for Nigeria to reduce its reliance on steel imports by developing its own capacity to support key sectors such as infrastructure, automobile manufacturing, and construction.
Established in the late 1970s, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has remained largely idle due to decades of policy inconsistencies, failed concession agreements, and chronic underfunding. Despite this, it remains a crucial asset with an installed capacity of 1.9 million tonnes annually — and the potential to scale up to 5 million tonnes.
Revitalising the steel giant is seen as essential to achieving Nigeria’s long-term industrial strategy, particularly in powering sectors like automotive manufacturing, construction, and heavy equipment production.
The Nigerian Government is optimistic that with committed international partnerships and focused leadership, Ajaokuta Steel can finally realise its potential and become a major driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
