…Plans Tech Hub @ Ajaokuta Industrial Park
The Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy have initiated a strategic partnership to promote the use of locally manufactured steel products in the construction of telecommunications towers and related infrastructure across Nigeria.
This collaboration was the focus of a high-level meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, paid a courtesy visit to his counterpart, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani in Abuja.
The discussions centred on integrating Nigerian-made steel products into the ongoing expansion of telecom infrastructure, including the construction of 7,000 telecom towers and the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The ministers also discussed plans for a new Technology Hub at the Ajaokuta Industrial Park and Free Trade Zone, which is awaiting presidential approval.
Audu said the partnership aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Tinubu, which emphasises economic diversification, local content promotion and reducing dependence on imported materials. He stressed the capacity of Nigeria’s steel sector to contribute meaningfully to national development, especially in supporting the digital economy.
“In terms of where we see areas of collaboration, I have seen your initiative and plans to build 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables and 7,000 telecom towers nationwide by the end of 2025. This is a major investment of about ₦3.3 trillion that will add significant value to Nigerians,” Audu said.
He noted that during a recent visit to Ogun State, he commissioned a new galvanised steel plant with the capacity to produce anti-rust steel suitable for telecom towers. “We want these local players to be patronised. We would appreciate it if their products are incorporated into this important national project,” he added.
On workforce development, the steel minister highlighted ongoing technical skills training for welders and artisans, urging the communications ministry to include such specialised steel industry skills within its broader innovation and digital training programmes.
Responding, Tijani welcomed the proposed collaboration and described it as timely, noting that harnessing local capacity is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nation’s digital infrastructure. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sourcing steel materials locally for all relevant telecom projects.
“My goal is that for everything steel in this project, it should be 100 per cent locally sourced. This partnership not only supports infrastructure development but also strengthens our local economy and creates jobs,” Tijani said.
He added that in addition to construction, the ministry is also focused on long-term maintenance and would work with local steel producers to ensure that both installation and servicing of the telecom towers are sustainably handled by Nigerian firms.
A statement by the Ministry of Steel Development’s head of press and public relations, Salamatu Jibaniya confirmed that both ministers agreed to establish a joint technical committee. This committee will develop an implementation roadmap and ensure synergy between the two sectors in executing shared national objectives.
