On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Federal Government declared that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) is in robust condition, refuting recent media reports suggesting otherwise, as stated in a release by Salamatu Jibaniya, Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Steel Development, reported by Vanguard and The Sun (Web:0, Web:1). The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving Nigeria’s steel sector, with a comprehensive technical and financial audit underway to ensure transparent, data-driven decisions (Web:0). A 2018 technical audit found the plant’s general status sound, with only normal deterioration of replaceable parts and a need for automation to enhance efficiency (Web:0, Web:2).
The Ministry expressed confidence that the updated audit will guide actions to advance Nigeria’s industrial goals (Web:0). The Ajaokuta plant, with a capacity to produce 1.3 million tonnes of steel annually, has been dormant since the 1990s, costing $8 billion in investments (Web:3). X posts from @SteelDevNG (September 18, 2025) reiterated the FG’s commitment, while @Naija_Activist noted 69% public skepticism about revival timelines, citing a 2025 Afrobarometer survey (Post:3). The audit aims to address concerns amid Nigeria’s push for industrial self-sufficiency (Web:1, Web:4).
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