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The moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company
By MARTHA AGAS
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) amid doubts recently expressed by the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Prince Shuaibu Abubaker, the Minister of Steel Development, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by Salamatu Jibaniya, the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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 said that while the concerns expressed were noted, the Federal Government remained 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,” 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 industrialization 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. (NAN)
