The Federal Government has initiated high-level negotiations with major Chinese steel manufacturers as part of renewed efforts to restore the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company to full operation.
Led by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, a Nigerian delegation is currently in China holding strategic meetings with top industrial firms including Sino Steel (part of the Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group, and Jingye Steel Group.
The meetings, according to a statement by Lizzy Okoji, the minister’s media aide, are focused on securing technical assessments, operational blueprints, and financing plans that will guide the phased revival of the steel complex, long seen as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“This engagement is about building strong, credible partnerships that will bring Ajaokuta back to life,” Minister Audu said, stressing the project’s central role in Nigeria’s drive to expand manufacturing and generate thousands of jobs.
The delegation also includes Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, and officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing. Tegbe described the mission as a “strategic alignment” between Nigeria’s industrial needs and China’s capacity to deliver long-term infrastructure support.
“This shows Nigeria is serious about attracting transformative partnerships that can fuel local value creation,” he added.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the Ajaokuta Steel revival has been prioritized as a critical pathway to achieving industrial self-sufficiency and reducing Nigeria’s heavy reliance on steel imports.
Originally conceived in the late 1970s, Ajaokuta Steel has faced decades of stagnation due to inconsistent policies, failed privatization attempts, and underfunding. The latest talks represent a significant move to break the cycle and position the plant as a key enabler for sectors like construction, transport, and manufacturing.
The Federal Government says it remains committed to completing the revival within the lifespan of the current administration.
