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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Abubakar, has said about $2 billion is needed to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
At an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development, yesterday, he explained that the cost might be more after a technical audit of the company
The minister, who stated that the country spends $8 billion for importation of steel annually, said it was in the interest of the country for Ajaokuta Steel Company to be functional.
However, he noted that government was working assiduously to ensure the company becomes operational, stating that the Ministry has prepared a document for the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company, which will be presented to President Bola Tinubu soon.
“It is a problem that has persisted for 45 years. we have gone to China to come and invest in the steel company including setting up a new plant and we have gone to seek financing.
“Funding is a big challenge to the ministry of steel development. Steel industry will be the bedrock of industrialisation if we have proper funding. I am still at a stage where to find a solution to the Ajaokuta steel company.
“The president has asked me to find a solution to Ajaokuta, so the figure will change pending the outcome of the technical audit.
“It’s clear to Nigeria that for this to happen we need funding and all the help we can get from the two chambers, this is why we need.I need all your support to make this a reality.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Steel Development, Zainab Gimba, directed the ministry to furnish the parliament with all the procurement process and other relating to the company.
Gimba, who noted that Ajaokuta Steel Company has being a nightmare to the country, said Nigerians were looking up to the present administration to get it functional.
