Nigeria Initiates Partnership with China for Military Hardware Production in Ajaokuta

Nigeria Initiates Partnership with China for Military Hardware Production in Ajaokuta

The Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on a strategic collaboration with the Chinese company, Luan Steel Holding Group, to establish a new steel plant in Nigeria and initiate the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. This development aligns with the government’s commitment to industrialise the nation’s steel industry.

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A high-profile delegation led by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, along with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, CON, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary A Ogbe recently visited Luan Steel Holding Group in the Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China to explore these potential collaborations.

Prince Audu emphasized that the visit to China marks a significant step in realizing the objectives of reviving Nigeria’s steel industry in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. The goal is to create a functional steel industry that attracts substantial foreign direct investments, stimulates economic growth, and generates hundreds of thousands of job opportunities.

The Minister highlighted the timeliness of incorporating military hardware production at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, especially considering Nigeria’s current security challenges. He expressed optimism that this initiative would contribute significantly to the nation’s fight against insecurity and terrorism.

“We had very meaningful discussions with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr. Wang Jianbing, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Xiao Weizhan and other senior executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group,” Prince Audu stated.

He further mentioned that Luan Steel Holding Group, like numerous other international and local investors, has shown interest in establishing a new steel plant in Nigeria and participating in the Ajaokuta Steel Plant’s military hardware production.

Accompanying the Ministers were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, and the Sole Administrator/Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Sumaila Abdul-Akaba. The delegation aimed to gain firsthand insights into Luan Steel plants to facilitate informed decision-making.

Prince Audu expressed optimism, stating, “With all the commitments on the ground, we are optimistic that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial steel production in some of the government-owned entities in Nigeria.”

Nigeria Initiates Partnership with China for Military Hardware Production in Ajaokuta