In a move seen as pivotal to Nigeria’s long-stalled industrial dream, the Federal Government has appointed Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the acting Managing Director of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), rekindling hopes for the revival of Africa’s sleeping industrial giant.
The announcement was made on Monday, April 7, by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, who formally presented Abdulsalam with his appointment letter during a brief but symbolic handover ceremony at Ajaokuta.
Prof. Abdulsalam, a renowned geophysicist and former Technical Adviser to the Minister, replaces Engr. Kanwai Joseph, who retires after nearly 35 years of service, having risen from an entry-level engineer to the company’s Acting Sole Administrator.
“This is not just a handover of leadership,” said Minister Audu. “It’s the handing over of hope — hope that Ajaokuta will finally come alive. I believe Prof. Abdulsalam is the right man for this moment.”
The Minister emphasized that the appointment aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and called for unity and resolve from all stakeholders to achieve the shared dream of a steel-powered Nigeria.
“Reviving Ajaokuta is bigger than any one man. It is a national project. It will require vision, technical precision, and unwavering commitment,” Audu said. “We’ve already begun: the MoU with the original equipment manufacturers in Russia was the first major step.”
He further disclosed that a comprehensive technical and financial audit of the complex would commence soon, paving the way for strategic investors through a privatization process.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chris Osa Isokponwu, echoed the Minister’s call for determination, noting that Ajaokuta’s revival represents a challenge spanning over four decades.
“This won’t be easy,” he said, addressing the new MD. “But with the full backing of this Ministry and the Federal Government, it is possible. And it must be done.”
In his first remarks as Acting MD, Prof. Abdulsalam thanked President Tinubu and the Minister for their trust, and expressed deep commitment to the mission.
“I have seen the challenges up close. But I have also seen the potential,” he said. “Our dream is to see Ajaokuta breathe again — to feel the hum of machines, the pride of workers, and the birth of industry on Nigerian soil.”
Outgoing administrator Engr. Joseph was visibly emotional as he passed the baton, describing the government’s re-engagement with the plant’s original Russian builders as “the smartest decision in decades.”
“If we had taken this step 10 or 20 years ago, Ajaokuta would already be producing steel. But I’m glad it’s happening now. This moment is historic.”
As the red dust settles across the massive, quiet grounds of Ajaokuta, Nigeria once again dares to hope — that steel, not silence, will soon echo through the halls of a long-dormant dream.