The federal government has refuted recent claims by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) was beyond revitalisation, saying it was committed to bringing the decades-old moribund facility into productive use.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
he said although the federal government acknowledged the challenges with completing the project, it was, however, determined to turn the company around.
Audu said another technical and financial audit of the firm was being undertaken, and the outcome of the exercise would point the way forward.
“The overall assessment of the previous technical audit report dated 2018, maintained that the general status of the Steel Plant is in robust condition,” he said.
He, however, noted the deterioration of replaceable parts and recommended automation of manual control systems for improved efficiency.
Audu said that the ministry was confident that the updated audit would provide a sound basis for decisive action that advances Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.
He assured that the Federal Government was determined to build a competitive and modern steel industry aimed at supporting national industrialisation and infrastructure growth.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of ASCL, Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam, at the recent Second International Railway Conference and Exhibition, said that the foundry and engineering unit of the company had begun operations.
Also, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), at the conference said it would engage Ajaokuta to produce rail materials and other products for its operations.
Dangote, at a recent event, affirmed that no nation can grow without a steel industry, noting that Ajaokuta would not work due to changes in technology.
He said that the competitive industrial landscape required the company to be optimal in its production, which he doubted was possible.
The Minister, in a statement signed by Salamatu Jibaniya, the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, restated FG’s commitment to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited contrary to the doubts recently expressed by Dangote.
