By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, mulls the use of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL)’s facilities for the proposed Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project of the federal government.
This was disclosed to newsmen during the maiden tour of the minister to the Steel complex as part of government ‘s plan to resuscitate the ailing steel sector in Nigeria, a statement signed by the Minister’s SA on Media and Communications, Abdullahi Haruna, said.
According to the statement, the initiative aims to produce as well as store CNG in line with Mr President’s gas initiative agenda while mitigating the impacts of the petrol subsidy removal.
SUMMIT POST reports that the Minister, in the company of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, and other relevant management officials, embarked on on a 3-day maiden working visit to the company, and during a home tour of the steel complex on the 4th October, 2023, reiterated the FG’s commitment to revive and operationalise the steel mill for the industrialisation of the country, job and wealth creation, while attracting foreign direct investment.
According to Prince Audu, “Ajaokuta Steel Company’s engineering workshop presents a unique opportunity for the storage of Compressed Natural Gas in specialized CNG tanks. This innovative use of ASCL’s infrastructure promises to bolster the country’s energy sector and reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
“The ASCL’s machine workshop stands poised to play a crucial role in this endeavor by producing essential accessories for gas cylinders used in CNG-powered buses. This local production of components aligns perfectly with President’s GAS INITIATIVE AGENDA, fostering self-sufficiency and contributing to the Nigerian economy.
“The machine shop is well-prepared for the manufacture of various tools, implements, carriages, and spare parts. This expanded production capacity could lead to the creation of jobs and contribute to the growth of industries such as wheelbarrows, tricycle trucks (keke Napep), and more”.
The statement noted that the Minister’s approach of leveraging the assets of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited for the CNG project underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and economic development.
“As this initiative progresses, it holds the potential to transform Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited into a key player in Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy sources,” it said.