Reps Push for Ajaokuta Steel Revival, Eyes Meeting with President Tinubu
Mercy Adi
The House of Representatives has announced plans to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State, a critical move aimed at resuscitating the long-defunct facility.
During an interactive session with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja, Hon. Zainab Gimbal, Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development, emphasized the need for a comprehensive audit of the facility. She highlighted the 10th Assembly’s commitment to revisiting the Ajaokuta Resuscitation Bill and addressing economic sabotage.
Hon. Gimbal underlined the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to align with President Tinubu’s vision for the steel sector, which includes the creation of a dedicated Ministry for Steel Development and its two Ministers. This initiative aims to enhance the availability and affordability of steel, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil, and boost national revenue.
The meeting with the NSE, she noted, will provide a platform to address key issues, including the Metallurgical Bill and the outdated technical report on Ajaokuta Steel. The committee seeks to leverage professional insights to avoid previous pitfalls and advance Nigeria’s steel industry.
Steel, Hon. Gimbal asserted, is pivotal for diversifying the Nigerian economy and generating employment, as seen in other developed nations like Russia, the U.S., and India.
