A civil society organization, Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, has announced the convening of an International Conference on Ajaokuta Steel Company, scheduled to hold virtually on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Themed Ajaokuta Phenomenon in Tinubu’s Era: A Turning Point or Another Missed Opportunity?, the conference seeks to interrogate the status, prospects, and political will surrounding the revival of the long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex—widely regarded as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
A Global and Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
The conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including engineers, academics, labour leaders, international consultants, civil society actors, and policy influencers from Nigeria and across the globe—particularly from the United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, Belgium, and The Gambia.
This broad participation underscores the global significance of Ajaokuta and its potential role in positioning Nigeria as a competitive industrial hub.
Purpose and Advocacy Focus
The conference aims to:
-Reignite national discourse on the strategic importance of Ajaokuta Steel Company
-Assess the commitment of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward its revival
-Provide a platform for evidence-based policy recommendations
-Strengthen civic advocacy for transparency, accountability, and sustainable industrial development
-Mobilize both domestic and international support for actionable reforms
Programme Highlights
The event will feature:
Opening remarks by Engr. Abdallah Sani of SOYUNIK Worldwide, select group of Engineers trained under the Nigeria-Russia Partnership
A conference briefing by Mohammed B. Attah, National Coordinator of the Coalition
Goodwill messages from notable stakeholders including labour representatives, international business leaders, and academia
A keynote address by Prof. Banji Oyeyinka, Visiting Fellow at The Open University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom and former staff of the African Development Bank, ADB.
A high-level panel discussion with experts in engineering, trade, civil society, and human rights
Interactive sessions for public engagement and contributions
Presentation of a Conference Communiqué, outlining key resolutions and advocacy demands
A Defining Moment for Nigeria
For decades, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has symbolized both Nigeria’s industrial ambition and governance challenges. As the nation grapples with economic diversification, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, the question remains whether Ajaokuta will finally be revived or continue as a missed opportunity.
This conference represents a decisive moment for civil society and stakeholders to demand clarity, commitment, and concrete action from government and partners.
Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company is a non-partisan alliance of civil society organisations committed to advocating for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Complex as a catalyst for national development, job creation, and economic transformation since 2019.
