NEWS
FG, Chinese Firm Partner For Steel Industry Revival
The Federal Government has revealed ongoing negotiations with a Chinese company to set up a new steel plant in Nigeria and initiate the production of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.
Salamatu F. Jibaniya, Head of Press and Public Relations at the ministry conveyed this in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the statement, to advance these discussions, a team headed by Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Defence Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, and Ministry of Steel Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Mary A Ogbe has been dispatched to the Luan Steel Holding Group in China’s Hefei and Guangzhou Regions.
Audu highlighted that the delegation’s visit to China is a pivotal step toward realizing the objectives of revitalizing Nigeria’s steel industry, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda.
He emphasized the commencement of efforts to establish a functional steel sector, aiming to attract significant foreign direct investments amounting to billions of dollars, fostering economic growth, and generating hundreds of thousands of job opportunities, all central to the core of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
Additionally, he pointed out the relevance of constructing military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, especially given Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.
Audu emphasized that this initiative would play a crucial role in the ongoing battle against insecurity and terrorism.
He said, “This would help in the fight against insecurity and terrorism. We had very meaningful discussions with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr Wang Jianbing, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Xiao Weizhan, and other senior executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.
“Like several other international and local investors, Luan Steel Holding Group has indicated interest in setting up a new steel plant in Nigeria, as well as handling a component of the Ajaokuta Steel plant for building military hardwares in Nigeria.”
“The Minister of Defence and I led this delegation, which includes the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe and Sole Administrator/Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, to enable us have a first-hand look at the Luan steel plants before arriving at a decision.
“And with all the commitments on ground, we are optimistic that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial steel production in some of the government-owned entities in Nigeria,” he added
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s security situation following deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, warning that terrorism is making a dangerous comeback.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the coordinated explosions that rocked parts of the city, describing them as a troubling sign of renewed insurgent activities.
He noted that the return of suicide bombings, once believed to have been largely defeated, poses a serious threat to national stability.
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23 killed, 108 injured in Maiduguri bomb blasts
The attacks, which occurred on Monday night, targeted the Maiduguri Monday Market, a post office, and an area near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
At least 23 people were confirmed dead, while over 100 others sustained injuries, leaving families in anguish as they search for missing loved ones.
Reacting to the development, Atiku warned that the resurgence of terrorism could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
He stressed that Nigerians are more interested in concrete results than official condemnations of attacks.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of security operatives, the former vice president urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently review its security strategies to address the growing threats.
He also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, alleging that more attention appears to be given to political matters than to tackling the worsening security challenges across the country.
Atiku further cautioned against politicising national security, noting that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation.
He called for unity, decisive action, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Meanwhile, security agencies have confirmed the incidents and launched investigations into the coordinated attacks as efforts continue to restore calm in the affected areas.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
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