The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle has commended the planned partnership between the Ministries of Defence and Steel Development for the production of Military hardware in a section of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The Minister made the commendation during the meeting on the proposed partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Steel Development at Ship House, Abuja.
He said the Federal Government is committed to actualizing the light steel mill of the Steel Complex to be able to produce iron which would be used for the production of several Military hardware and equipment.
According to him, there had been series of engagements between the two Ministries on how to perfect plans for the production of Military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel.
He explained that Ajaokuta Steel, which was a massive project built over 40 years ago would boost employment generation for Nigerians when the partnership between the two Ministries on revamping it comes to fruition.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company will become a source of iron to be used for the production of Military hardware locally and with the combined efforts of the two Ministries, production will commence soon,” he said.
Dr. Matawalle said that reinforcing the company to produce Military hardware to full capacity would boost the nation’s fight against insurgency and other related crimes.
In addition, he urged the Permanent Secretaries of both Ministries to come up with a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to kick start the implementation of the project.
On his part, Minister of Steel Development, Prince Abubakar Audu commended the efforts of the two Ministers of Defence, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to resuscitating Ajaokuta plant in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President’s administration.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana appreciated the Honourable Minister of State for Defence for this good initiative and promised to work hand in hand with his counterpart at the Ministry of Steel Development for a successful implementation of the MOU for the good of the project.
In attendance at the meeting were the two Ministers, the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni, his Steel Development counterpart, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Sumaila Abdul- Akaba, Director- General of National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos, Professor Linus Asuquo and some Management Staff of Defence Ministry.
