Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said that Kwara is the second-largest steel producer in Nigeria, attributing much of this success to the contributions of KAM Holdings, a leading steel company.
Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the importance of the steel industry to Nigeria’s industrialization efforts and pitched KAM Holdings as a suitable candidate to manage the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
During a recent visit to Ilorin, the state’s capital, the governor hosted the Federal Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Prince Audu Shuaib Abubakar, who was in Kwara for a fact-finding mission.
Governor AbdulRazaq took this opportunity to advocate for KAM Holdings, emphasizing its significant role in boosting steel production in Nigeria.
He emphasized the critical need to revive Ajaokuta and proposed that KAM Holdings, led by Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf, be given the opportunity to manage the steel plant due to its proven track record in the sector.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s remarks came during the Minister’s visit, which aimed to assess the current state of the steel industry in Kwara.
According to the governor, KAM Holdings’ operations have been instrumental in establishing Kwara as a major hub for steel production, an industry that could have otherwise been based in other parts of the country, like the Lagos-Ogun axis.
“As you know, Ajaokuta is an albatross, but we’re confident that the government will find a way to untangle its issues and bring the industry to fruition. When Ajaokuta was established, it was in Kwara State,” the governor explained, emphasizing the significance of the proposed revival.
He also commended the Minister’s hands-on approach, praising him for visiting various locations to gather information for policy formulation.
“I must commend you for stepping out of your office to get the facts right before you formulate a policy for the development of the steel sector. This is highly commendable because going around will enable you to get firsthand facts in moving this sector forward,” AbdulRazaq said.
Minister Audu expressed his appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for his warm welcome and acknowledged the importance of supporting indigenous steel producers like KAM Holdings.
He noted that the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aimed at industrializing Nigeria, with steel production playing a central role in creating jobs and boosting the economy.
“The federal government is committed to creating over 80 million jobs for Nigerian citizens in eight years, including through the steel industry,” the Minister said.
He reiterated the significance of the industrialization drive, which he believes can contribute to growing Nigeria’s GDP to over $1 trillion under President Tinubu’s leadership.