BY FRANCIS KADIRI, ABUJA
The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has mulled the idea of exploring the utilization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited for the proposed Federal Government Compressed Natural Gas project.
He said the initiative aims to store and produce CNG, while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s gas initiative agenda and mitigating the impacts of subsidy removal.
The Minister said these during his maiden tour to the Ajaokuta Steel Company as part of government’s plan to resuscitate the country’s ailing steel sector.
The minister stated: “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.”
According to the minister, “ASCL’s machine workshop is poised to play a crucial role in this endeavor by producing essential accessories for gas cylinders used in CNG-powered buses,” adding that local production of components aligns perfectly with the President’s gas initiative agenda, fostering self-sufficiency and contributing to Nigerian economic growth and development.
Audu explained that the machine shop is well-prepared for the manufacture of various tools, implements, carriages and spare parts, adding that 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 minister’s forward-thinking approach to leverage 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.
