The federal government has announced ambitious plans to kickstart the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta steel complex.
Following a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, it was revealed that the Ministries of Steel Development and Defence are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate this groundbreaking initiative.
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, along with Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, disclosed the development to the press through a statement issued by Salamatu Jibaniya, the Head of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry of Steel Development.
Prince Audu emphasised that this collaboration between the ministries would fulfil the vision outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted the Ajaokuta Steel Complex’s potential to produce various military hardware, including rifles, vests, helmets, and bullets, under the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.
Moreover, Prince Audu mentioned the possibility of establishing a military barracks within the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, which currently boasts over 10,000 housing units, a significant portion of which remains unoccupied.
Echoing these sentiments, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle expressed confidence in the impending partnership’s alignment with the President’s agenda. He assured the public of the forthcoming operationalization of the Ajaokuta steel complex to its fullest capacity, urging local partners to actively participate in the initiative.
The ministers also discussed the revision of the 2020 Memorandum of Understanding between DICON and the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), indicating that a new agreement would be drafted between the two ministries for more effective collaboration.
With both ministries committed to finalising the details through continuous and regular meetings, the stage is set for a significant leap in Nigeria’s defence and industrial capabilities.
