By SUNDAY ABAH, Abuja
In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s defence capabilities to bolster national security, the Ministry of Steel Development and the Defence counterpart have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the production of military hardwares at the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The MoU which was signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Minister of State, Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters on Monday, November 10, 2025 in Abuja outlined a collaborative framework for the development and production of essential military equipment, utilising the resources and capabilities of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
According to a statement signed for the head, Information and PR by Asst. Director, Tine-Lulun, the MoU signed were in two parts: One signed between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the other between Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, during the ceremony disclosed that the groundbreaking initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and harnessing the strategic potential of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, one of Africa’s largest and most vital industrial assets.
He noted that the collaboration sought to leverage Ajaokuta’s steel production capabilities to develop high-quality military hardware, including armoured vehicles, weapons, helmet and other defense equipment.
According to him, the partnership will not only strengthen Nigeria’s defense industry but will help improve the security architecture of the country.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, noted that the significant event came at the right time with high-impact prospects that will improve national security and drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“This particular MoU is unique in many respects as it comprehensively covers its scope — both national security and economic growth,” he stated.
Also, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the signing as an enduring commitment to Nigeria, stating that the MoU will create jobs and build local capacity in defence-related industries.
Both ministries were optimistic that the collaboration will pave the way for further partnerships in the defense sector and contribute to the overall industrialisation of Nigeria.