MSD Partners Works Ministry To Revive Light Steel Mill

By Georgina Humphrey

Ministry of Steel Development is to partner the Ministry of Works
to revive the Light Steel Mill Section of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant for production of Iron Rods.

The Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu made this known during a joint meeting with the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi and representatives of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on plans to kick-start the Light Steel Mill Section of the Ajaokuta Complex on commercial terms in Abuja.

Prince Audu explained that following the approval of Mr. President, the Ministry is set to commence a collegiate approach towards reviving the Steel Plant by exploring all realistic means.

He re-emphasized that the Light Steel Mill Section of the Ajaokuta Complex, once revived, will produce iron rods that would be off taken by the Federal Ministry of Works for construction in the country.

The Minister who appreciated the collaboration commended Senator Umahi for being extremely innovative, adding that the Ministry have a solution to reviving the Ajaokuta Complex using a collegiate approach.

Prince Audu added that Executives of UBA have given an offer, which is about to be finalized to raise the funds within a short period so that revitalization of the Steel Plant can begin in phases.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi while commending Prince Audu, pledged his support for resuscitation of the moribund Plant which he said has the capacity to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities for Nigerians.

In another development, the Minister met with representative of an Indian Steel Company, Jindal Steel in Nigeria, Mr Mukesh Sharma, with a commitment to build a world Class Steel Plant in Nigeria worth over five billion dollars.

Mr Sharma noted that the commitment of Jindal Steel to developing Nigeria’s Steel Sector is coming after President Tinubu successfully secured a Steel Investment Deal with the Indian Company on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in September 2023, in New Delhi, India, adding that discussions are also on with relevant Government Agencies on the best location for the Company to build its Steel Plant.

He expressed appreciation to Jindal Group for indicating interest to invest about 5 million dollars in Nigeria.

Earlier, Mr Mukesh Sharma, said that Jindal Group wants to build a World Steel Plant with about five million tons capacity which should kick-start in the next few years with the right commitments, adding that the World Steel Plant once running would not only serve the Nigerian market but the entire West Africa, Central Africa, and the European markets.

Edited By Grace Namiji