The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Friday, congratulated African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) on its $600 million investment in an iron-ore mining site, aimed at facilitating steel production in Nigeria.
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He noted that the federal government is set to establish a mega industrial park in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, in a bid to boost Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth.

The Minister stated this during his visit to the African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), Gujeni Village, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, reinforcing the commitment of the Federal Government to reviving the steel and metals sector in the country.

Audu emphasized the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing the steel and metals sector.

He noted that the company’s investment aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which seeks to revitalize the steel sector

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, Audu praised ANRML for its $600 million investment in a 900-hectare iron-ore mining facility, intended for backward integration to support steel production.
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The Minister said that the vision of the current administration is to ensure that all comatose steel plants become operational and for Nigeria to begin steel production before the end of the tenure of President Tinubu, reiterating his commitment to delivery of the vision of Mr. President.

Audu said: “It is very clear that this edifice exemplifies the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose plan is to grow the economy to over $1 trillion by 2030. Steel is the catalyst for industrialisation, and I commend the Africa Industries Group (AIG) for their important role in taking Nigeria to the next level.

“I am pleasantly surprised you have been doing business since 1971. I appreciate the group for believing in the country and creating thousands of jobs, employing in excess of 10,000 staff across the country.

“I am urging the company to invest more to meet our local demand for steel. 10 million metric tonnes are being imported into the country, so this company has a role to play in reversing that trend.
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“The President is very serious about turning around the steel industry, including the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe. We have plans to build an industrial park in Ajaokuta that will house a Free Trade Zone and CNG park.

“We need more huge foreign direct investments to reduce pressures on FX and to help us create 80 million jobs in the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. So, thank you for making such a huge investment in Nigeria.”

The Group Managing Director of Africa Industries Group, Alok Gupta, expressed gratitude for the Minister’s support and affirmed confidence in the steel sector’s revival under his leadership. Gupta commended ANRML for demonstrating the potential of local industries.
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Mr. Gupta said that the factory is a testament that local validation shows the possibilities of the country.

Gupta said: “I thank you for your pledge to support indigenous companies in Nigeria. We are confident we will see a revival in the Nigerian steel industry. We stand by your commitment to the production of high quality steel in the country.”

The event was attended by prominent figures including the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri G. Balasubramanian, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs on Tariff and Trade, Mr. A.A.S Oloyede, Emir of Dnata, Engineer HRH James Bitrus Abwaminajiya Sa’dnatayi, and a team from the Ministry of Steel Development.

In his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian congratulated ANRML and praised its social contributions, highlighting the success as a reflection of Nigeria-India business relations.

Also speaking, Mr. A.A.S Oloyede commended ANRML for setting new standards and assured the Nigerian Customs Service’s support. Mr. Narasimha Nayak, CEO of ANRML, led a tour of the Gujeni plant, showcasing its advanced equipment and operations.
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