By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a significant move aimed at bolstering Nigeria's defense capabilities, the Federal Government has announced plans to initiate the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. The Ministries of Steel Development and Defence are poised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate this groundbreaking initiative.
Following a meeting at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, revealed the collaborative efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex for steel production, particularly for military purposes.
Prince Audu emphasized the strategic importance of Ajaokuta's engineering workshops, citing their capacity to manufacture various military hardware under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act. The envisioned partnership aims to produce essential equipment such as rifles, vests, helmets, and bullets, utilizing the complex's existing infrastructure.
The Minister further elaborated on the potential economic impact, highlighting job creation opportunities and the stimulation of local industries. He stressed that the initiative aligns with the government's broader agenda of promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.
Minister Matawalle echoed the sentiment, underscoring the alignment of this initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "renewed hope agenda." He expressed confidence in the project's success and encouraged local stakeholders to participate actively.
The meeting also saw discussions on the revision of a previous MOU between DICON and the National Metallurgical Development Centre, now transitioning to a government-to-government agreement between the Ministries of Defence and Steel Development.
The Permanent Secretaries of both ministries affirmed their commitment to the revival of Ajaokuta, acknowledging it as a pivotal step towards national development. Dr. Mary Ogbe and Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana expressed optimism about the transformative potential of this collaboration, highlighting the imminent establishment of a military industrial complex in Ajaokuta.
Furthermore, stakeholders anticipate that the initiative will not only enhance Nigeria's defense capabilities but also contribute to technology transfer and skill development. Plans are underway to collaborate with educational institutions and training centers to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for the burgeoning industry.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, stakeholders are poised to witness a new era of self-sufficiency in military hardware production, heralding a milestone in Nigeria's defense architecture.
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