Rehabilitation of Ajaokuta steel plant to commence in 2025- Senator Natasha Akpoti

6 days ago

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti has promised the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant in the first quarter of 2025.

The mega steel plant has been long abandoned and shut down. Senator Natasha remains hopeful that the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta steel plant will lead to job creation and economic stability in the country.

Natasha Akpoti, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, says plans are being implemented to start the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter of 2025.

Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, formalized an agreement with Tyazhpromexport (TPE) in September, the original contractors of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, to rehabilitate, complete, and manage the plant along with the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

She assured Nigerians that operations on the steel project would commence early next year.

“I would like to give credit to the president, who has committed extensive political will in ensuring that the Ajaokuta Steel Company has been connected with the original builders.”

“A certain number of MoUs and agreements have been undertaken, and in the first quarter of next year, we are hoping that the Tyajz Prom Export, who are the original builders of the plant, will be on the ground to kick-start the revitalization of the steel plant,” she said

Natasha further added, “That means we are setting ourselves, our country, strategically to begin to manufacture the core components and machines that are utilized in the oil and gas sector.”

“And what makes up a rig? Steel. So, just imagine; count how many rigs you have in Nigerian waters. Imagine if we had those rigs manufactured in-country,”

“That means we would have saved so much money, and we would have created so many jobs.”

Senator Natasha emphasized that venturing into rehabilitation demands a combination of boldness and a clear strategic vision.

She acknowledged that the path forward might be difficult but stressed it is essential for progress.