Ajaokuta steel company not dormant, says MD
Managing Director/Chief Executive of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, has advocated the need for policy frameworks to deliberately align with engineering innovation, ensuring that technological advancements are fully integrated into the nation’s manufacturing strategies.
Abdulsalam made the call at the ongoing conference of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, where he delivered a keynote address on the theme, “Revitalising Nigeria’s manufacturing sector through innovative engineering solutions” in Ibadan.
The forum attracted the acting governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; the wife of the governor, Tamunominini Makinde; the Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Oguntala; COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Zubai Abubakar; Chief Executive Officer of MicCom Cables and Wires Limited, Mrs. Bukola Adubi, and members of the NSE, among others.
He stressed that the country must draw lessons from global experiences where long-term investments are systematically channelled into Research & Development, modern infrastructure, and continuous development of technical and managerial skills.
Abdulsalam said building such an ecosystem would enable Nigeria to harness innovation, enhance productivity, and strengthen domestic industries.
“By thoughtfully adapting these proven international strategies to its own economic, social, and industrial realities, Nigeria can lay the foundation for sustainable manufacturing revitalisation, create employment opportunities, boost competitiveness, and ultimately drive inclusive national growth,” he noted.
On the Ajaokuta steel firm, the MD said holistic rehabilitation of the plant remains the ultimate goal, stating that the facility is not dormant, as discussions were ongoing with investors.
The acting governor, in his address, noted that the event’s theme could not have been timelier at a period when the nation sought pathways to sustainable economic development and growth, industrial revival and job creation, adding that the call to harness innovation in engineering as the backbone of manufacturing could not be clearer.
He said the topic is a challenge for Nigeria to re-imagine its industries, adopt advanced technologies and embrace new ideas that would transform the country into a hub of productivity.
APWEN’s President, Dr Adebisi Osim, reiterated the association’s commitment towards empowerment of young girls, and professional development among women engineers, and bridging the gap among academia, industry and policy.
She observed that the theme of the conference captures the association’s belief that the power to transform Nigeria’s manufacturing sector lies in innovation, collaboration and engineering excellence.
