The Ministry of Steel Development on Thursday, debunked the insinuation that Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCO) will not be completed, assuring that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not relent in ongoing efforts aimed at completing the integrated steel complex.
A statement from the Ministry, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations Department, Salamatu Jibaniya, stated that “the Federal Government is determined to build a competitive and modern steel industry that supports national industrialization and infrastructure growth.”
The statement said: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development has been drawn to recent media reports regarding the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL).
“While we note the concerns expressed, it is important to state that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to the development of Nigeria’s steel sector, including the resuscitation of ASCL.
The ministry assured that a comprehensive technical and financial audit of the plant is presently underway, adding that the audit aims to ensure that any decision taken is transparent, data-driven and in the best interest of Nigeria.
“The overall assessment of the previous technical audit report dated 2018 maintained that the general status of the Steel Plant is in robust condition except for normal deterioration of replaceable parts and recommended automation of manual control systems for improved efficiency,” the ministry said.
“The Ministry remains confident that the updated audit will provide a sound basis for decisive action that advances Nigeria’s industrial aspirations,” it added.
