The Federal Government has finalized plans for the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited to commence production of military hardware following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Steel Development and the Ministry of Defence.
The agreement, signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, took place on Monday at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The partnership aims to establish a collaborative framework for the development and production of essential military equipment using the vast industrial capacity of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Steel Development, the MoUs were in two parts—one between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence, and another between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
During the ceremony, Prince Audu described the initiative as a major step toward Nigeria’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He noted that the collaboration will harness Ajaokuta’s steel production potential to produce high-quality military hardware such as armoured vehicles, weapons, helmets, and other defence equipment.
“The partnership will not only strengthen Nigeria’s defence industry but will also help improve the nation’s security architecture,” Audu said.
On his part, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the timeliness and importance of the partnership, noting that it would enhance national security while stimulating economic growth.
“This particular MoU is unique in many respects as it comprehensively covers its scope—both national security and economic growth,” he stated.
The Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the signing as a lasting commitment to building local capacity in defence-related industries. He noted that the agreement would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s industrial development.
Both ministries expressed optimism that the collaboration will open doors for more partnerships in the defence sector and further drive Nigeria’s industrialization agenda.
