The Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sanni Egidi AbdulRaheem, has assured members of his constituency and Nigerians that Ajaokuta Steel Company will soon bounce back to life.
AbdulRaheem, in his 65th Nigeria Independence statement, called on Nigerians—and his Ajaokuta constituents in particular—to keep hope alive and expect a fully functional Ajaokuta Steel Company in a short time, adding that efforts are ongoing to restore the world-class steel complex to its best state.
The lawmaker said, “I wish to specially commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment and bold steps toward the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. For decades, this iconic project has remained dormant, representing unfulfilled promises to our people.”
He explained that under President Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has witnessed renewed political will and concrete actions aimed at finally bringing this critical national asset to life. He pointed at the creation of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the appointment of a Kogi-born technocrat as the premier minister, as well as the appointment of a substantive Managing Director for the Ajaokuta Steel Company, who is also from Kogi State.
He said, “These two individuals have demonstrated capacity and commitment to the revival of ASCO. Since his assumption of office, he has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that the revival of ASCO is a front-burner issue in the course of our national developmental strides.”
“The President’s dedication to industrialisation and his focus on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex demonstrates genuine commitment to economic transformation and job creation for our teeming youth population.”
“This project is not just about steel production; it represents hope, economic empowerment, and industrial renaissance for Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large.”
AbdulRaheem commended the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support in ensuring the safety of the steel complex, which is a critical national asset in Kogi State, as well as for providing an enabling environment for a thriving host community.
The statement condemned the recent remarks attributed to business mogul Aliko Dangote, who allegedly likened the Ajaokuta Steel Company to a graveyard.
He said, “Such remarks are not only insensitive but also disrespectful to the millions of Nigerians who have invested hope in this project and to the Federal Government’s genuine efforts at revival.”
“Ajaokuta Steel Company is a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial potential, not a graveyard. It represents the dreams and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who believe in our capacity for industrial self-sufficiency.”
“While constructive criticism is welcome in nation-building, derogatory statements that undermine national assets and government efforts are counterproductive and unpatriotic. I call on all stakeholders, including business leaders, to support rather than discourage the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and ensuring that the voices of his constituents are heard in the corridors of power.
