Dangote Declares Ajaokuta Steel Project Obsolete, Warns Against Importing Poverty into Africa

The President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has dismissed hopes of reviving the long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex, describing it as outdated and overtaken by global technological advancements.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, Dangote emphasized that while no country can develop without a strong steel industry, Ajaokuta’s chances of functioning remain bleak.

“The steel we are talking about, we will definitely look at opportunities to do that. There is no nation you can build without steel. But honestly, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and being emotional about it, but it’s not possible,” he said.

Established in 1979, the Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex was intended to house a metallurgical plant, an engineering hub, and other facilities. However, more than four decades later, the multi-billion-dollar project has remained dormant due to corruption and mismanagement.

Although President Bola Tinubu approved the restart of its light steel section in January 2024 following investment pledges from India’s Jindal Steel Group, Dangote insists the project belongs to the past.

He further cautioned African nations against adopting outdated industrial projects and depending on imports that weaken local industries. “We must be careful, not only in Nigeria but across Africa. People are importing poverty into our nations and exporting jobs out, even as we have the fastest-growing population in the world,” he warned.