Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on the federal government to prioritise the immediate revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, following a failed attempt to grant European diplomats access to the facility.
The Senator, who represents Kogi Central, noted that a delegation of four European ambassadors was unable to visit the steel plant during a recent visit to her constituency. She argued that the inability to showcase the facility to foreign dignitaries represents a missed opportunity for international cooperation and industrial investment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made these observations after a group of four European ambassadors visited Kogi Central, where she aimed to demonstrate the industrial capacity of the region.
The Senator used the occasion to draw attention to the immense potential of the Ajaokuta facility, which has remained largely dormant for several decades despite significant capital investments. She argued that the plant remains a critical asset for Nigeria’s economic diversification and long-term industrialisation.
Industrial potential and economic impact
The Ajaokuta Steel Company is intended to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, providing essential raw materials for the construction, automotive, and engineering industries. The dormancy of the plant has a direct impact on Nigeria’s foreign exchange stability. By failing to produce steel locally, the country remains at the mercy of global price fluctuations and continues to spend billions of dollars annually on steel imports to support its infrastructure projects.
Furthermore, the revival of the plant is expected to trigger an industrial boom in Kogi State and its environs. A functional steel mill provides the foundation for a wide range of manufacturing jobs, from specialised engineering roles to logistics and maintenance, offering a viable pathway to address regional unemployment.
The recent visit by the European ambassadors suggests a growing interest from international partners in Nigeria’s industrial landscape. However, the Senator expressed concern that the logistical and administrative hurdles preventing access to the steel plant could deter serious investors who require direct inspection of assets and infrastructure before committing capital.
The Ajaokuta project has faced decades of challenges, including shifting political priorities, management disputes, and failed attempts at private-sector partnerships. While various administrations have made promises to bring the plant back to life, the facility has yet to achieve commercial-scale production.
The federal government is now under renewed pressure to provide a clear roadmap for the plant’s operationalisation. The success of such a move will depend on the ability of the government to facilitate transparent access for potential partners and resolve the long-standing technical and financial bottlenecks surrounding the site.
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