BREAKING: “Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work” – Aliko Dangote Declares

BREAKING: “Ajaokuta Steel Industry May Never Work” – Aliko Dangote Declares

Sele Media Africa | Business Desk
Reported by Suzan Daniel | Sept. 17, 2025

In a candid statement that has sparked fresh debate across the nation, Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said the long-abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi State may never become operational.Dangote made this known while addressing stakeholders in the steel and industrial sectors. According to him, rapid technological advancements globally have rendered the original concept of the Ajaokuta Steel project outdated, making its revival economically unviable. ⁠“We have moved past that level of steel production technology. Ajaokuta is stuck in the past. Even if it’s revived, it may never compete globally,” he said.The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, initiated in 1979, was meant to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialization. However, decades of neglect, mismanagement, and failed attempts at resuscitation have left it dormant, despite billions of naira in investment.Dangote’s remarks are seen by many as a realistic acknowledgment of a failed dream, while others believe it is a call for a complete rethinking of Nigeria’s industrial policy.

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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