Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, says Federal Government has reached an advance stage of its plan to revive the comatose Ajaokuta steel company in kogi State.
Audu disclosed this at the weekend while hosting stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi State at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area of the state .
According to the Minister, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant to that effect.
He 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 around Ajaokuta and deliver results very quickly”, Audu said.
The Minister emphasised 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.
He also stressed 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.
Audu 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,” he stated.
APC State Secretary, Mr. Joshua Onoja, in his remarks, commended the Minister for convening the session, reaffirming 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.
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, attended the stakeholders’ meeting.
