FG Signs MoU Between Steel and Defence Ministries to Forge Military Industrial Hub in Ajaokuta
From Our Correspondent.
In a significant step towards boosting national security and industrial capacity, the Federal government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence.
The agreement aims to establish a Military Industrial Complex at the Ajaokuta Steel Territory in Kogi State, representing a major milestone in Nigeria’s industrial and security development.
The MoU, featuring two key components, was signed by Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Minister of Steel Development, and Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence. Additionally, a formal partnership was established between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
Prime Minister Audu described the partnership as “a historic breakthrough” and stressed its importance in revitalising the nearly 50-year-old Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
He stated that the collaboration will involve utilising the engineering workshops at Ajaokuta and acquiring land for manufacturing military hardware, including rifles, helmets, vests, and bullets. Part of the land within the complex will be dedicated to building the military industrial base.
The agreement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, emphasising national security, industrial growth, and job creation through local manufacturing.
Prince Audu highlighted that this initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and promote self-sufficiency in defence production.
In his remarks, Dr. Bello Matawalle praised the partnership as a visionary step towards Nigeria becoming a self-reliant producer of military hardware. He underscored the importance of utilising the country’s natural resources and indigenous capacities.
Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director General of DICON, also stressed the importance of steel in military production, noting that the MoU would enable indigenous manufacturing of security equipment.
The signing ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including Prof. Nasir Naeem, Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel, and industry leaders such as Mr. Kola Balogun of EPAIL and Mr. Ade Ogundeyin of Proforce.
This development signals Nigeria’s renewed commitment to industrialisation and self-sufficiency in defence.
This strategic alliance is expected to transform Nigeria’s industrial landscape and strengthen the country’s security architecture, marking a new dawn in national development efforts.
