The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu on Monday, April 7, 2025, officially welcomed the newly appointed managing director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam presenting him with his letter of appointment as the outgoing acting sole administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph formally handed over leadership.
During the handover ceremony held at the minister’s office in Abuja, Audu expressed firm confidence in Abdulsalam’s capacity to steer Ajaokuta Steel Company towards the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for reviving the once-dormant steel giant.
The minister extended heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph, commending his dedication and long-standing service at the plant. Over nearly 35 years, Joseph rose through the ranks from an entry-level engineer to become Acting Sole Administrator, a role he held diligently for the past six months.
“I congratulate the newly appointed managing director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam. He is not only a seasoned academician and professor of geophysics but also someone deeply familiar with the workings of the steel sector, having served as my technical adviser before this appointment,” the minister said.
Audu stressed that the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant is a monumental national project, far beyond the capacity of any single individual or office. “Reviving Ajaokuta Steel Plant is a collective mission. It requires far more than the efforts of the minister, permanent secretary, or managing director alone. Every stakeholder must be fully committed to realising Mr. President’s vision for the steel sector’s resurgence,” he emphasised.
He reassured the gathering that progress toward Ajaokuta’s revival is well underway, citing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in Moscow in September 2024 as a major milestone. “We are now preparing to conduct both technical and financial audits of the complex, paving the way to attract credible investors and suitors through a privatisation process, as directed by Mr. President,” Audu explained. “Our role is to consolidate these gains and present viable investment options for Mr. President’s approval.”
The minister wished Abdulsalam success in his new role, stating, “I wish you Godspeed as we work together towards the successful revival of Ajaokuta Steel Plant.”
Permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chris Isokponwu also congratulated Abdulsalam, acknowledging the weighty responsibility ahead. “This is no small task; you are facing a challenge that has spanned over 45 years. But you have the full support of the ministry and a minister who is deeply committed to the success of Ajaokuta’s revival,” Isokponwu assured.
In his acceptance speech, Abdulsalam expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting him with this significant mandate. He also thanked Audu for his confidence and collaboration, noting that serving as the minister’s technical adviser had prepared him for this leadership role.
He commended the minister for the substantial strides made within less than two years in office, particularly for laying down critical groundwork that now positions the steel plant for success. “Our shared goal is to realise Mr. President’s vision for the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Plant,” he stated. “With the support of the honourable minister, the permanent secretary and the entire team at the Ministry of Steel Development, I am fully committed to delivering on this mandate. I pray and strongly believe that Ajaokuta will come alive in our time.”
In a statement released by the special assistant (media) to the Minister of Steel Development, Lizzy Okoji, the outgoing acting sole administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph praised the decision to re-engage the original builders of the steel plant. He described it as the most strategic move he had witnessed in his 35 years of service at Ajaokuta. “Had this step been taken earlier, the steel plant would have been operational long ago,” he noted.
As the leadership transition is complete, optimism runs high that Nigeria’s steel sector, long viewed as a sleeping giant, is finally poised for revival under the new leadership. Stakeholders within and outside the ministry see the appointment of Abdulsalam as a fresh opportunity to turn the tide for Ajaokuta Steel, once envisioned as the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation.
