The Nigerian government to conduct a full audit of the Bajaokuta Bajauta complex ahead of the resurrection plan

The federal government is preparing to launch a comprehensive technical and financial assessment of the Steel Complex Ajauokuta, a big step towards the revitalization of the old facilities inactive and attracts private investors, according to the Steel Development Minister, Prince Shuibu Audu.

Speaking during the formal appointment ceremony Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the newly implementing director AJAokuta Steel Company Limited, Audu emphasized that the audit was in line with the direction of the President of the Tinubu Ball to re -position the steel sector for the participation of the private sector.

This event marked a significant leadership transition, when Prof. Abdulsalam received his appointment letter from the Minister, taking over from the former administrator who acted, Kanwai Joseph.

A statement issued by the Minister’s media aide, Lizzy Okoji, on Tuesday in Abuja, highlighted the government’s greater trust in the capacity of new leadership to provide results in line with the administrative reform agenda.

Prince Audu reiterated the commitment of the federal government to revive the steel complex which was once ambitious, describing the task as a collective national effort.

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“The responsibility of inhaling life back to Ajuokuta is not a burden on one person. This requires a joint commitment from all stakeholders, from the ministry to technical experts and the private sector,” he said.

He noted that progress had been made. In September 2024, the Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with original equipment manufacturers in Moscow, Russia. The partnership, he said, established the basis for the planned audit, which is expected to evaluate the current state of infrastructure and complex equipment.

“President Tinubu has given a clear direction to attract credible investors through the process of privatization,” Audu explained. “Our task is to provide a strong foundation and offer well structured options for the President’s approval.”

Ajauokuta integrated steel complex, which was originally contained in 1979, was imagined as a catalyst for Nigerian industrialization. Built to accommodate the metallurgical process factory, engineering complex, and several supporting units, this facility is designed to stimulate the upstream and downstream industry which is important for economic diversification.

However, regardless of investment and planning for decades, a steel factory has never launched a single steel sheet. This has become a symbol of industrial dreams that are not met but administration is currently indicating a new determination to change the narration.

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