By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has lauded the African Foundries Limited (AFL) for its commitment to investing in the Nigerian steel sector to advance local manufacturing of iron rods and other equipment in the country.
Audu stated this while on a working visit to the African Foundries Limited (AFL) steel plant, a subsidiary of African Industries Group (AIG) in Ogijo, Ogun state.
The Minister who was received by top management staff of AFL and the Chairman of the African Industries Group,Mr Raj Gupta, went round the factory to see the level of production in the company.
Audu lauded African Foundries Limited for their commitment to the steel industry revival efforts under the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterating that the Federal Government is keen on encouraging private sector players as a means of growing the Nigerian economy.
Audu emphasised that Nigeria cannot reach its economic goals without revitalising its steel sector.
He noted that steel is crucial for national development, as it supports infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and even military hardware.
“There’s no way we can get to a $1 trillion economy without turning around our steel industry. Steel is the bedrock of industrialisation.” he stated.
He called on AIG and other private investors to partner with the government to reposition Nigeria as a leading industrial nation.
In his welcome address, Mr.Taiwo Okeowo said African Foundries Limited (AFL) was established to support the accelerating growth in Nigeria by making the country self-reliant for steel rebars and eliminating its dependence on imported rebars.Â
“AFL is set up to reach a 0.5 million-ton per year capacity for high strength rebars and allied products. AFL is fully committed to ensuring international quality standards and continues to meet and exceed all quality related expectations of its customers. AFL has the CARES Certifications. The CARES certification is from UK CARES and ISO certifications are from Quality Austria.
“AFL’s commitment to quality is indicated by the decision to equip our steel plants with state of the art and high-tech manufacturing facilities, mostly engineered and supplied by Western European and Far Eastern suppliers. AFL operates the largest shredder in sub-Saharan Africa outside South Africa, which facilitates scrap recycling as per European standards, cutting waste and supporting the environment.”Okeowo explains.
The Chairman of African Industries Group, owners of African Foundries Limited,Mr Raj Gupta thanked the Minister for the visit. He presented a gift to the Minister as a token of gratitude and promised that the company will continue to work for the economic sustainability of the country which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The traditional ruler of Ogijo in Ogun State, Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijo, praised African Foundries Limited for its positive impact on the local community, while also calling on the company to prioritise the employment of indigenous residents.
Oba Gbadamosi described the company as a “significant employer” in the community and a “trusted partner” of the palace and people of Ogijo.
