Nigeria’s Ministries of Defence and Steel Development are partnering for the production of Military hardware in a section of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has said.
Matawalle, who spoke during the meeting on the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Steel Development at Ship House, Abuja, stated that the Federal Government was committed to actualizing the light steel mill of the Steel Complex to be able to produce iron which would be used for the production of several Military hardware and equipment.
Matawalle stated that there had been series of engagements between the two Ministries on how to perfect plans for the production in Ajaokuta Steel.
According to the Minister, “the Ajaokuta Steel which was a massive project built over 40 years ago would boost employment generation for Nigerians when the partnership between the two Ministries on revamping it comes to fruition.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company will become source of iron to be used for the production of Military hardware locally and with the combined efforts of the two Ministries, production will commence soon.”
Dr. Matawalle said that reinforcing the company to produce military hardware to full capacity would boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.
In addition, he urged the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries to come up with a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kick start the implementation of the project.
REsponding, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu, commended the efforts of the two Ministers of Defence, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to resuscitating the Ajaokuta plant inline with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, appreciated the Minister of State for Defence for this good initiatives and promised to work hand in hand with his counterpart at the Ministry of Steel Development for a successful implementation of the MOU for the good of the project.
In attendance at the meeting were the two Ministers, the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, his Steel Development counterpart, Dr. Mary Ogbe, Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Sumaila Abdul- Akaba, Director- General of National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo and some Management Staff of Defence Ministry.
