By Thompson Yamput
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has engaged Chinese companies on modalities and strategies toward speedy reviving of Ajaokuta Steel in Kogi.
A statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, said the partnership was part of his continuous efforts to revive the nation’s steel sector.
Okoji explained that the minister has embarked on a high-level working visit to China in order to attract strategic investments and deepen industrial cooperation with key Chinese partners.
She disclosed that the delegation of the minister, included the Director General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and top-level officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing.
“The delegation have held several strategic meetings with some of China’s largest and most influential steel conglomerates, including executives of Sino Steel (a member of Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group and Jingye Steel Group.
“The crux of the meeting with the leading Chinese steel conglomerates is the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a key industrial asset considered critical to Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions and job creation strategy.
“The talks also centred around technical evaluations, operational modelling, and financing frameworks required to restore the facility to full productivity, ” she said.
The media aide quoted the minister of stressing that the “Renewed Hope Agenda ” of President Bola Tinubu was determined to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company before the end of the tenure of his administration.
She also quoted Mr Tegbe of explaining that “this strategic discussions underscores Nigeria’s commitment to forging transformative partnerships that align China’s industrial capabilities with our national development priorities”. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
