Nigeria’s steel sector revitalization aims for 10 million tonnes of liquid steel production by 2030 with job creation and industrial growth

Nigeria’s steel sector revitalization has taken a bold leap forward, as President Bola Tinubu announced ambitious plans targeting 10 million tonnes of liquid steel production by 2030.

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The announcement was made during the inaugural Two-day National Stakeholders Summit on Steel Development held in Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role the steel industry plays in Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification beyond oil.

“The steel industry will not be revitalized by government alone. The private sector must drive investment, innovation, and research, while Nigerians are encouraged to support local steel products,” the President stated.

Despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources—including iron ore, limestone, and coal—the nation imports over 90% of its steel.

The Ajaokuta Steel Company, once the pride of Nigerian industry, remains idle, symbolizing years of lost potential.

“This is not just an economic failure; it threatens our sovereignty,” Tinubu warned. “My administration is changing the narrative. We will rethink, retool, and revitalize Nigeria’s steel sector.”

The government’s comprehensive roadmap includes a ten-year plan for overall revival and a focused three-year plan to operationalize the Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

These strategies incorporate infrastructure upgrades, regulatory reforms, and capacity building aimed at fostering a thriving steel industry.

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With a goal to generate over 500,000 jobs, the revitalization plan signals a powerfully positive step towards a self-reliant, industrialized Nigeria.