The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, officially presented the appointment letter to the newly appointed Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, following a formal handover by the outgoing Acting Sole Administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Minister’s office in Abuja. During the event, Prince Audu expressed confidence in Prof. Abdulsalam’s capability to steer Ajaokuta Steel Company towards revitalization in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister extended his appreciation to Engr. Kanwai Joseph for his dedication and service, highlighting his nearly 35-year tenure at the steel plant. Joseph had risen from an entry-level engineer to Acting Sole Administrator, a position he held for the past six months.
“I congratulate Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, a distinguished academic and Professor of Geophysics, on his appointment as the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. He brings valuable expertise to this role, having previously served as my Technical Adviser,” Prince Audu stated.
He emphasized that reviving Ajaokuta Steel Plant requires collective effort, stating, “This is not a task for the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, or the Managing Director alone. All stakeholders must work together to realize Mr. President’s vision for the steel sector.”
The Minister also provided an update on the ongoing revival efforts, mentioning the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in Moscow, Russia, in September 2024. He assured that the technical and financial audit of the complex is imminent, paving the way for potential investors and privatization efforts as directed by President Tinubu.
“I assure you that the revival of Ajaokuta Steel is well underway. Our role is to consolidate these gains and present viable options for Mr. President’s approval,” Prince Audu added.
Dr. Chris Osa Isokponwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also congratulated Prof. Abdulsalam, acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead while assuring him of the Ministry’s full support. “This challenge spans over 45 years, but you have a Minister who is deeply committed to Ajaokuta’s revival,” Dr. Isokponwu noted.
In his response, Prof. Abdulsalam expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and thanked the Minister for his support. He acknowledged the significant strides made under Prince Audu’s leadership and pledged to build on these efforts.
“Our fundamental goal is to work together to realize Mr. President’s vision for Ajaokuta Steel. I am fully committed to delivering on this mandate with the support of the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire Ministry team. I am confident that Ajaokuta will come alive in our time,” Prof. Abdulsalam affirmed.
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The outgoing Acting Sole Administrator, Engr. Kanwai Joseph, commended the Minister’s decision to re-engage the original builders of the steel plant, describing it as a crucial and strategic move in the journey toward revitalization. He noted that if such steps had been taken earlier, the steel plant would have been operational long ago.
The appointment of Prof. Abdulsalam marks another significant step in the government’s commitment to reviving Nigeria’s steel industry, reinforcing its role in national economic growth and industrial development.
