Coalition Rejects Promises on Ajaokuta Steel Revival

A coalition of civil society organizations has dismissed recent investment tour pledges aimed at reviving Nigeria's Ajaokuta Steel Company, calling for urgent and transparent implementation of a revival roadmap. The coalition criticized the government's efforts, stating that the country cannot afford further delays on this critical project, which has been largely idle since construction began in 1979.

Despite the criticism, a significant development occurred with the signing of a historic gas supply agreement between Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), marking the first such deal in a decade. This agreement aims to secure an uninterrupted gas supply necessary for the plant's operations and is part of a broader strategy to enhance Nigeria's industrial capacity.

The coalition urged the federal government to publish a detailed revival roadmap with clear timelines and milestones, emphasizing the need for tangible achievements rather than promises. The gas agreement is seen as a potential breakthrough for Nigeria's industrial sector, expected to create thousands of jobs and reduce reliance on steel imports.