Steel Development Minister Confident Tinubu Will Deliver on Renewed Hope Agenda, Highlights Ajaokuta Revival

The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, today, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, expressed unwavering confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capacity and determination to tackle Nigeria’s multifarious challenges, grow the national economy, and deliver substantial dividends of democracy to the citizenry. Prince Audu articulated this optimism while addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his country home in Ogbonicha, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Minister’s gathering was primarily aimed at highlighting the significant achievements of President Tinubu’s administration over the past two years and mobilizing robust grassroots support for his potential re-election bid in 2027. Audu asserted that the impact of the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” is already being felt directly by ordinary Nigerians, citing as an example the recent noticeable drop in the prices of certain staple foods, which he presented as a direct result of the administration’s economic policies.

“In just two years, Mr. President has shown strong political will and commitment to transform Nigeria. State FAAC allocations have increased significantly, and Kogi State has directly benefited from this boost,” Audu told his constituents, urging them to remain optimistic about greater progress in the coming years.

A significant portion of his address focused on the critical steel sector. Prince Audu reaffirmed the administration’s “resolve to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant,” a long-dormant industrial behemoth seen as crucial for Nigeria’s industrialization. He disclosed that the Ministry has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) of the plant. Crucially, the government is now actively “extending the search for private investors to China,” signaling a determined effort to secure the necessary capital and technical expertise for the plant’s resuscitation. This move, according to Audu, marks a significant step forward in unlocking Ajaokuta’s full potential, which boasts an installed capacity of 1.9 million tonnes and a potential to scale up to 5 million tonnes annually, a vital asset for supporting sectors like automotive, construction, and heavy machinery.

Prince Audu’s assurances aim to rally support for the President’s agenda and demonstrate tangible progress in key economic sectors, such as steel development, as the administration enters its third year.