…Ministries to Sign MOU
The Federal Government is set to commence the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, with the ministries of Steel Development and Defence on the verge of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to facilitate the implementation of this strategic initiative.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle following a meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
Audu highlighted the collaborative efforts between both ministries, expressing confidence that the partnership would align with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The primary focus is to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, utilising its engineering workshops to produce military hardware under the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.
“Today is a day that what we have all waited for under the renewed hope agenda with the coming to fruition of a partnership between both ministries – the Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence,” said Audu.
He elaborated on the potential products that could be manufactured at Ajaokuta, stating, “We have agreed on signing an MoU so that DICON and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited can partner to produce military hardware such as rifles, vests, helmets, bullets, among other things, in the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.”
Audu also noted the capacity of Ajaokuta to house a military barracks and emphasized the importance of a quality memorandum of understanding for successful implementation.
Matawalle echoed Audu’s sentiments and assured Nigerians that the proposed production of military hardware and the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex in Ajaokuta aligned with the president’s agenda.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement, Matawalle stated, “Today, we have agreed on so many things, including the review of the MoU signed in 2020 between DICON and the National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC), which would now be between both ministries (government to government).”
He emphasised the need for continuous meetings and collaboration to ensure the venture’s success. Additionally, he encouraged local partners to contribute to the initiative.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe expressed gratitude for the commitment of both ministers and pledged the support of civil servants to their political will. She stressed the importance of a common goal to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
Similarly, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana described the meeting as a landmark achievement. He affirmed the dedication of all stakeholders to realise the agreement, emphasising that the collaboration would bring monumental development to the steel industry and defence architecture of the country.
The impending MOU signing marks a significant step towards utilising Ajaokuta Steel Complex for national security and economic advancement. As the government sets the stage for the production of military hardware, Nigerians anticipate a positive impact on both sectors.
