A giant, standing still in one position for over four decades — that’s Ajaokuta’s true but unfortunate situation. So many stories and developments have surrounded it, yet the giant exudes such hope at first sight that it’s difficult to give up on it.
However, something strategic happened under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration that many are yet to figure out: the approach to the Steel Sector, and Ajaokuta in particular, further confirms him as a master strategist. His appointment of Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu may seem normal or ordinary to many. But a deep, critical analysis of the choice of Prince Shuaib reveals a President who truly wants the Steel Sector — and Ajaokuta by extension — to be revived. President Tinubu’s decision is no doubt a big challenge to the young man on many fronts, and it was taken with consideration of Prince Shuaib’s background, capacity, and capability to shoulder the heavy responsibility.
Peering into President Tinubu’s thinking regarding the sector, a number of things become evident: a young, smart, energetic, and well-grounded individual with an investment background could make a difference this time. Recall that the sector, and the Ajaokuta Steel Company in particular, has seen all calibres of men at the helm of affairs in the past. Therefore, this new approach under the Tinubu administration — introducing fresh blood with a progressive mindset — is significant. Bringing on board Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu is a challenge to the young man to deploy all his knowledge from the financial sector into rescuing the project, reviving the company, and boosting the Steel Sector, which will form a strong base for the country’s industrialization. Transitioning from an investment banking background to holding such a strategic federal position, which requires sourcing for funds, Prince Shuaib is indeed tasked by the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Another challenge lies in the nature of the sector itself — unlike others, it requires significant groundwork over time before results become evident. This, in fact, may lead many who are unaware of the magnitude of work involved to judge prematurely, simply because they do not yet see tangible outcomes, and thus conclude that nothing is happening. However, a proper follow-up and sound analysis of the journey so far would reveal the extent of progress made and suggest how soon the expected changes will begin to manifest.
The recent trip to China to discuss Ajaokuta and the Steel Sector generally with Chinese steel giants and officials is a pointer to someone who is not idle. Ordinarily, one might expect that after meeting Russian experts and some of the original manufacturers, the Honourable Minister would have relaxed and relied solely on them. But venturing out again to China indicates that Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu wants multiple options on the table, to secure the best deal. With the information available to him at the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, which he leads, he surely knows what would constitute the best deal for the Ajaokuta Steel Company, the Steel Sector, and the nation at large. The Honourable Minister is leading Nigeria’s Steel Sector and pushing for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company through comprehensive reforms and strategic partnerships.
Interestingly, Prince Shuaib has a strong focus on industrialization and economic growth. Accordingly, the ministry has been promoting local steel production aimed at reducing imports and stimulating economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development. This development brings about hope and progress, driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on industrialization, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.
In anticipation of the revival of Ajaokuta and the boost in the Steel Sector, capacity building is a major concern for the Honourable Minister. Through his ministry, he has launched laudable initiatives, including training programs to enhance skilled labour, tackle unemployment, and promote youth engagement. These efforts lay a solid foundation for quality manpower in the Steel Sector.
Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu’s journey under the Renewed Hope Agenda is, indeed, passing through the furnace of Ajaokuta. And, emerging from it should bring the much-anticipated results for Nigeria. The outcomes of the strategic partnerships will strengthen the Steel Sector and revive Ajaokuta. Through the ministry, the Honourable Minister is engaging international investors, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to drive growth, transfer knowledge, and attract investment.
With eyes on the goal, day and night, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubakar Audu is working to bring back to life the Ajaokuta Steel Company, and to establish a robust steel production framework, leveraging Nigeria’s huge mineral resources and fostering public-private partnerships. Also, as he is ensuring the progress of the steel sector, he is committed to delivering interventions and development projects to his people – a commitment that has already become a part of him.
ONOJA J. OKPANACHI
*Development Journalism Initiative,*
Abuja
