Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the immediate revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State following an unsuccessful attempt to take four European ambassadors to the facility during their recent visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, expressed concern over the inability to showcase the steel plant to the foreign diplomats, describing it as a missed opportunity to attract international cooperation and investment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the ambassadors’ visit was intended to highlight the industrial and economic potential of her constituency, particularly the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which has remained largely inactive for decades despite substantial government investment.
She stressed that reviving the facility would be a significant step towards diversifying Nigeria’s economy, strengthening local manufacturing and reducing the country’s dependence on imported steel.
According to the senator, a fully operational Ajaokuta Steel Company could supply essential raw materials to several industries, including construction, automotive manufacturing and engineering.
She also noted that the continued inactivity of the plant has contributed to Nigeria’s reliance on imported steel, resulting in substantial foreign exchange expenditure to meet domestic industrial and infrastructure needs.
The senator further argued that reopening the facility would stimulate economic activities in Kogi State and neighbouring communities by creating employment opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and maintenance.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed concern that difficulties in granting the European ambassadors access to the facility could discourage potential investors who need to inspect the plant and assess its infrastructure before making investment commitments.
The Ajaokuta Steel Company has faced decades of setbacks, including political disagreements, management challenges and unsuccessful efforts to establish viable private-sector partnerships.
Despite successive administrations pledging to revive the plant, it has yet to achieve sustained commercial-scale steel production.
The senator’s call has renewed attention on the need for the Federal Government to develop a clear and practical plan for completing and operationalising the facility.
She maintained that restoring Ajaokuta’s operations could strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity, reduce dependence on imported steel and create new economic opportunities.
The Federal Government’s ability to address the plant’s technical, financial and administrative challenges will be crucial to determining whether the long-standing project can finally contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic development.
