The Federal Government has announced preparations for the arrival of Chinese technical partners and prospective investors as part of renewed efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL).
Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, recently concluded high-level engagements with leading steel manufacturers in China, aimed at attracting strategic investment into Nigeria’s steel sector.
Ahead of the Chinese delegation’s visit, Tegbe paid a working visit to Ajaokuta for an on-the-spot assessment of the plant’s current condition. The visit focused on evaluating critical infrastructure and operational assets in anticipation of detailed technical assessments.
In a statement on Wednesday, NCSP disclosed that the visit was intended to lay the foundation for informed investment decisions and technical collaboration.
Tegbe was received by the Managing Director of ASCL, Prof. Nasir Na’eem Abdulsalam, who led the NCSP team on an inspection of key installations including the blast furnace complex, thermal power plant, and other essential infrastructure.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Tegbe emphasized the strategic importance of Ajaokuta to Nigeria’s industrial development.
“This facility is more than a steel plant; it is a symbol of industrial ambition and national pride. We are focused on enabling sustainable, private-sector-led investment that will finally operationalize Ajaokuta,” he said.
He added that the NCSP is working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Steel Development to ensure that partnerships with foreign investors deliver concrete results for Nigeria’s re-industrialization goals.
The Ajaokuta visit marks a significant step in converting Nigeria’s international partnerships into impactful investments, with Chinese technical teams expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
