By Favour Ifeoluwa & Akinola Ajibade
The Federal Government says its would revive the long awaited Ajaokuta Steel Company in three years.
The government though the Minister of Steel Development,Prince Shuaibu Audu said this during a press conference in Abuja recently.
According to him, the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company is part of the 10 year roadmap for the resustication of the nation's entire steel industry, adding that the government is ready to close the gap between steel production and consumption as soon as possible.
He said that there is strategic initiative on ground to kick-start the production of key components within the steel production line.
While identifying the historical challenges faced by the steel industry for over 60 years, Audu emphasized the complexities involved in reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company, established more than 45 years ago.
He stated that there is significant gap between local steel production and consumption, revealing that over 5 million metric tons are consumed locally, with domestic production falling short of demand..
He said the concession of the Ajaokuta complex to competent entities capable of effectively executing the revival plan is crucial to the revival of the company, adding that production of iron rods for Ajaokuta Steel Company and engagement with the Ministry of Defence to revitalize the engineering aspect, particularly in producing military hardware is key to the plans to revive the industry.
He disclosed that Nigeria spends over $4 billion on steel imports, constituting 90 per cent of the country’s steel demand. The need for passing a bill for the meteorological industry to support the steel sector was also emphasized.
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