The Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Minister Audu congratulated Ambassador Yusuf on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved.
He expressed confidence in the Chairman’s ability “to provide purposeful leadership and further strengthen the Commission,” noting that “his distinguished career in diplomacy and public service has adequately prepared him to lead the Commission successfully and improve service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.”
Minister Audu further described Ambassador Yusuf’s appointment as “a source of pride for Kogi State.”
He noted that “the elevation of another distinguished son of the state to such an important national office is a testament to his record of dedicated service” and expressed optimism that he “would justify the confidence reposed in him.”
In his response, Ambassador Yusuf expressed appreciation to the Minister for the visit.
He commended Prince Audu for “the remarkable strides recorded in Nigeria’s steel sector under his leadership,” noting that “the sector has witnessed unprecedented reforms and renewed momentum after more than four decades of stagnation.”
He described the Minister’s achievements as “a significant contribution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing industrialisation, economic diversification and national development through the revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel Complex amongst other legacy assets.”
Ambassador Yusuf also applauded the Minister’s commitment to the development of Kogi State, “especially Kogi East, citing the rollout of mini-grid projects as a transformative intervention that will boost economic activities and improve livelihoods.”
The visit was announced in a statement signed by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Steel Development.