…Holds Strategic Talks with Leading Steel Giants in Beijing.
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
In a renewed push to reposition Nigeria’s steel industry, the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has embarked on a high-level investment mission to China to engage key players in the global steel sector.
Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, in a statement she issued, said the visit is aimed at attracting strategic investments and deepening industrial cooperation between Nigeria and China,particularly in efforts to revive the long-moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Okoji further revealed that,accompanied by Mr. Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), and senior officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, the Minister has held several crucial meetings with top executives of China’s largest steel conglomerates.
The Nigerian delegation engaged with major industry players, including Sino Steel (a subsidiary of the Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group, and Jingye Steel Group,firms recognized globally for their technical expertise and massive steel production capacities,she added.
“The central focus of these discussions is the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Company, which remains a strategic national asset vital to Nigeria’s industrialization and job creation efforts,” she explained.
According to her, deliberations covered technical assessments, operational modeling, and financing frameworks necessary for restoring the facility to full productivity.
The Special Assistant (Media) quoted Prince Audu, during the visit as reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to steel development.
Prince Audu said,“The ‘Renewed Hope’ administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is fully committed to reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Company before the end of this administration. We are here to secure partnerships that will make that vision a reality.”
Echoing the Minister’s position, Mr. Tegbe emphasized the strategic nature of the engagements
He said,“These discussions highlight Nigeria’s resolve to build transformative partnerships that leverage China’s industrial strength in line with our national development priorities.”
The visit marks a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to reposition the steel sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrial growth.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
