By Victoria Onehi
The Ministry of Steel Development has restated it’s commitment to reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL).
The Ministry in a statement on Thursday by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Salamatu Jibaniya, dismissed concerns raised in recent media reports by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) will not work.
Jibaniya said: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development has been drawn to recent media reports regarding the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL).
“While we note the concerns expressed, it is important to state that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to the development of Nigeria’s steel sector, including the resuscitation of ASCL.
“A comprehensive technical and financial audit of the plant is presently underway to ensure that any decision taken is transparent, data-driven and in the best interest of Nigeria. The overall assessment of the previous technical audit report dated 2018 maintained that the general status of the Steel Plant is in robust condition except for normal deterioration of replaceable parts and recommended automation of manual control systems for improved efficiency.
“The Ministry remains confident that the updated audit will provide a sound basis for decisive action that advances Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.
“The Federal Government is determined to build a competitive and modern steel industry that supports national industrialization and infrastructure growth.”
The Ajaokuta steel company was started in 1979 under the Shagari administration in the Second Republic to help Nigeria industrialise and become self-sufficient in the production of steel. But various challenges such as lack of funding,failed concession agreements and more has crippled the company and has not been able to that it has not been able to produce steel at commercial scale.
