By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a renewed effort to industrialize Nigeria through steel development, the Federal Government has intensified moves to revive the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Plant in Kogi State, with strategic international partnerships already in motion.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, revealed during a weekend meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area, that the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant — a significant step toward its full rehabilitation.
“We are doing a tremendous job. The journey has started, and we will be able to turn Ajaokuta around and deliver results very quickly,” the minister assured, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial leap is finally within reach.
The federal government has also widened its investment drive to China in search of willing private partners to inject fresh capital into the project, signaling a shift from years of stagnation to actionable steps aimed at transforming the steel sector.
Prince Audu said the renewed effort is a direct reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic vision under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to reposition critical sectors to stimulate growth, create jobs, and boost the country’s self-reliance in steel production.
He emphasized that President Tinubu has shown “strong political will and commitment” to address national challenges and uplift citizens’ welfare, pointing to recent developments as proof of progress.
“In just two years, Mr. President has shown remarkable focus. State FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State is already reaping the benefits. We’re also witnessing drops in prices of certain staple foods, which reflects the early impact of the Renewed Hope agenda,” he noted.
The APC stakeholders’ meeting, attended by a large crowd of party loyalists from across Kogi East, Central, and West, was also an opportunity for the party to close ranks ahead of future elections.
Mr. Joshua Onoja, State Secretary of the APC, commended the Minister for engaging the grassroots and reaffirmed the party’s loyalty to President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Kogi APC stands firm with Mr. President. We are united and committed to ensuring the success of his administration,” Onoja declared.
Present at the meeting were local government chairmen, councillors, current and former lawmakers, party stalwarts, and supporters under platforms such as the Audu/Faleke Support Group, underscoring the political weight behind the Ajaokuta revival campaign.
The push to restore Ajaokuta, Nigeria’s once-promising industrial giant, now carries not just economic expectations but also strong political backing — offering a glimmer of hope that the steel dream may finally come to life.