- Minister Shuaibu Audu announced plans for Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce military hardware, including helmets, bullets, bases, tanks, or ships
- The government aims to secure local funding for the project, emphasizing Ajaokuta’s potential to generate revenue and strengthen national security
Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, revealed that the federal government is set to embark on the production of military hardware at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Audu outlined the ministry’s strategy for the company, emphasizing the approval received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure local funding for the project’s initiation.
The minister highlighted the potential of the steel company to generate substantial revenue for Nigeria. He stated, “Part of our Ajaokuta agenda is the production of military hardware. Collaborating closely with the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, and the Minister of Works, Senator Umahi, we aim to manufacture iron rods in Ajaokuta and establish military hardware capabilities, encompassing helmets, bullets, bases, tanks, or ships. Our capacity extends to producing all these essentials.”
He further explained, “Commencing with a small-scale operation funded locally, we will demonstrate a proof of concept and progress gradually. For military hardware, the initial step involves establishing an engineering workshop to revitalize Ajaokuta, paving the way for designing and building various military components.”
This strategic move aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening national security and harnessing the economic potential of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.