Tinubu Appoints Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as Ajaokuta Steel Company MD in Bold Industrial Revamp Strategy

 Tinubu Appoints Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as Ajaokuta Steel Company MD in Bold Industrial Revamp Strategy

In a landmark decision aimed at reviving Nigeria’s once-promising steel industry, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially appointed Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as the new Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company. The appointment, announced on April 3, 2025, marks a renewed effort by the federal government to reposition the steel sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrial development.



This move, deeply strategic and symbolic, represents more than just a change in leadership — it’s a calculated attempt to awaken the sleeping giant of Africa’s steel potential.

Located in Kogi State, the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) is one of Africa’s most ambitious industrial projects. Spanning over 24,000 hectares, the facility was originally conceived in 1979 to drive Nigeria’s self-reliance in steel production. Built with Soviet technical support, Ajaokuta was designed to be a self-sustaining industrial ecosystem, complete with 68 industrial units, residential quarters, schools, a hospital, and a dedicated railway network.

Yet, over four decades later, the plant has never produced a single ton of finished steel. Plagued by years of political instability, legal tussles, and underfunding, it has become a poster child for Nigeria’s industrial stagnation. According to data from the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, over $8 billion has been invested in the plant, with minimal returns on that investment.

Now, the appointment of Abdulsalam signals a potential rebirth.

Who Is Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam?

Though not a household name yet, Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam steps into a position that carries massive national expectation. His appointment follows the legal framework set out in the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances) Act, 2008 (Amended), and it comes at a time when the government is keen on reforming strategic state-owned enterprises.

Industry stakeholders are hopeful that Abdulsalam will bring visionary leadership, accountability, and the kind of bold decision-making needed to revive Ajaokuta’s fortunes. His leadership will be critical in driving new investments, adopting modern technologies, and attracting credible local and international partnerships.

Strategic Importance of Steel to Nigeria’s Economic Future

Steel is the lifeblood of modern infrastructure. From bridges and buildings to automotive and defense manufacturing, steel is foundational to industrial growth. Reviving Ajaokuta could drastically reduce Nigeria’s reliance on steel imports, which currently cost the country over $3 billion annually, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

A fully operational Ajaokuta Steel Plant is projected to:

  • Create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs

  • Stimulate local industries and boost GDP

  • Strengthen Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves by reducing import dependency

  • Serve as a catalyst for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities


Reviving Ajaokuta won't be a walk in the park. The plant is decades behind global steel production standards. Much of its equipment is obsolete, the rail lines are underutilized, and power supply remains erratic. Moreover, the Nigerian government must resolve long-standing legal disputes and secure credible technical partners.

Yet, with the political will demonstrated by President Tinubu’s administration and a new helmsman at the top, a blueprint for transformation could finally be implemented. Experts suggest that public-private partnerships (PPPs) and foreign technical collaborations — particularly with nations like India, Russia, and China — could be the silver bullet for full-scale resuscitation.

The Verdict: Is This the Turning Point?

President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as MD of Ajaokuta Steel Company is more than symbolic — it is a deliberate leap toward industrial reform. It underscores the government’s recognition that Nigeria cannot prosper without a functioning steel sector.

This move could herald a new dawn for Ajaokuta — and by extension, for Nigeria’s industrial landscape. With the right policies, investment in modern infrastructure, and a committed leadership team, the long-dormant steel giant may finally roar back to life.

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