Industrial oil refinery with large processing units and pipelines.
By Palma Ileye
Ministry of Steel Development, has made clarification on recent media reports regarding the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, ASCL, restating Federal Government’s commitment towards resuscitating the company and that a comprehensive technical and financial audit of the plant was presently underway to ensure that any decision taken was transparent, data-driven and in the best interest of Nigeria.
This clarification was made yesterday in a press release signed by Salamatu Jibaniya, Head, Press and Public Relations Department, For: Ministry of Steel Development.
The statement read, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Steel Development has been drawn to recent media reports regarding the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, ASCL.
“While we note the concerns expressed, it is important to state that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to the development of Nigeria’s steel sector, including the resuscitation of ASCL.
“A comprehensive technical and financial audit of the plant is presently underway to ensure that any decision taken is transparent, data-driven and in the best interest of Nigeria.”
It stated that the overall assessment of the previous technical audit report dated 2018 maintained that the general status of the Steel Plant was in robust condition except for normal deterioration of replaceable parts and recommended automation of manual control systems for improved efficiency.
The Ministry said it remains confident that the updated audit will provide a sound basis for decisive action that advances Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.
The statement added that the Federal Government was determined to build a competitive and modern steel industry that supports national industrialization and infrastructure growth.
