The Federal Government has restated its commitment at ensuring the transformation of Nigeria into an industrialized nation with production and manufacturing playing the pivotal role.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha made this known while declaring open the National Conference on Ajaokuta Steel Project and President Muhammadu Buhari Industrialization Agenda organized by CSO Coalition in collaboration with Ajeokuta Steel Company Limited on Thursday in Abuja.
Boss Mustapha, who was represented by Mr Ariyo Benjamin said that revamping Ajaokuta Steel Plant will clearly present a unique opportunity to make Nigeria West Africa’s largest fully integrated steel producer and most importantly accelerate the nation’s industrialisation, especially steel related industry.
He urged all the participants at the conference to explore all the ideas that will facilitate and fast track President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s on-going effort in kick starting the Ajeokuta Steel Project.
While delevering his speech, the minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, represented by Engr. Kolawole Olasupo assured Nigerians that the revitalisation of Ajeokuta Steel Project is on course and will be completed before the end of the tenure of this administration.
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Onbonnaya Onu who was represented by the Director General, National Board for Technology Incubation Engr Mohammed Jibrin, reiterated that the Ajaokuta Steel Project has the capacity of creating huge employment opportunities for Nigerians, generate wealth creation and reposition the country’s economy.
He further said the reinvigoration of Ajeokuta Steel Project will not only create jobs but that a lot of micro, small, medium and large industries will also spring up in the country.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Otumba Dele Ajayi-Smith, President African Citizens’ Development Foundation commended the private sector and other stakeholders for their efforts in galvanizing support for the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari to set Nigeria on the path of industrial development.
Currently the Ajeokuta Steel Project is 98 percent Completed, therefore the conference was organized by stakeholders with a view to brainstorming the possibility of achieving the remaining two percent before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Bilkisu Pai
