Prof. Naeem Vows Ajaokuta Steel Revival Under Current Administration

In a passionate and hopeful address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Abdulsalam Nasir Naeem, has affirmed that the long-awaited revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant will happen under the present administration.

Prof. Naeem made this declaration during a grand reception held in his honour, attended by dignitaries, community leaders, stakeholders, and well-wishers celebrating his recent appointment as MD/CEO of ASCL.

“Ajaokuta will work in our time. I have received a firm assurance from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his full support for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company, and with that backing, I am confident we will succeed,” he stated to thunderous applause.

The Ajaokuta Steel Plant—once Nigeria’s most ambitious industrial project—has been stalled for decades, despite its critical role in the nation’s industrialization agenda. Prof. Naeem’s appointment signals a new wave of optimism and leadership aimed at breathing life into the dormant facility.

He emphasized that the plant’s revitalization transcends steel production, symbolizing a national aspiration that holds the promise of massive job creation, industrial growth, and economic diversification.

“This is more than a federal government project—it is a legacy for the Nigerian people,” he remarked.

According to Prof. Naeem, a comprehensive technical audit is currently underway to identify priority areas for rehabilitation and activation.

He called on the people of Kogi State, particularly the host communities, to lend their full support by maintaining a peaceful and cooperative environment essential for the project’s success.

The event served not only as a celebration of his new leadership but also as a rallying call for unity and collective effort in the mission to bring Ajaokuta Steel Company to life.

“With the President’s support and the cooperation of all stakeholders, we are determined to make Ajaokuta a beacon of industrial transformation,” Prof. Naeem affirmed.