Tinubu Taps Technocrat to Breathe Life Into Ajaokuta Steel

By Achimi Muktar

After decades of decay and dashed dreams, Nigeria’s largest industrial project may finally be getting a second chance—and a new captain to steer the ship.

In a bold move signaling renewed political will, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the new Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, effective April 3, 2025.

The appointment, announced in a statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is being hailed as a fresh push to revive one of Nigeria’s most ambitious but dormant national assets.

Abdulsalam, an experienced technocrat with a track record in public policy and strategic development, previously served as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Steel Development and as Special Assistant on Academic Matters at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

Now, he faces the colossal task of turning around a project that has long symbolized Nigeria’s struggle with industrialization—and failure to harness its own potential.

The Steel Dream That Never Was

Once envisioned as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial revolution, Ajaokuta Steel Company was supposed to produce millions of tonnes of steel, generate thousands of jobs, and power sectors from construction to automobile manufacturing.

Instead, it became a national embarrassment—mired in political interference, failed concession agreements, and endless abandonment.

Despite being 98% completed, Ajaokuta has never produced a single tonne of steel since construction began in 1979.

But President Tinubu is determined to rewrite that story.

“Abdulsalam is expected to deploy his extensive experience and technical knowledge to lead a comprehensive turnaround of the Ajaokuta Steel Company,” the presidency stated, highlighting the appointment as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda for industrial development.

Hope on the Horizon?

With Nigeria facing a tough economic climate and urgent calls for diversification, reviving Ajaokuta could be a game changer—not just for Kogi State, where it is located, but for the nation’s broader industrial ecosystem.

If successfully operational, the steel plant could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on costly steel imports, support local industries, and create tens of thousands of jobs.

But the road ahead won’t be easy. Previous efforts to resuscitate the plant have crumbled under the weight of bureaucracy, mismanagement, and lack of political will.

This time, Abdulsalam is being handed both the challenge and the opportunity to defy history.

“This is a chance to turn a white elephant into a national powerhouse,” a policy expert said. “But only if the new leadership is backed by real reform, adequate funding, and a strong implementation plan.”

A New Chapter Begins

For now, eyes are on Abdulsalam as he steps into the spotlight, carrying the hopes of millions and the burden of decades-long frustration.

Will he deliver where others have failed?
Can he awaken the sleeping steel giant?

Time will tell—but Nigeria is watching.