By joshua 
Gov. Ododo Attends National Steel Summit, calls for vision, collaboration, action to transform nigeria’s rich mineral endowment
A vibrant steel industry has been described as the foundation of a truly industrialised Nigeria.
Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, Kogi State Executive Governor, made the disclosure in a goodwill message he delivered at the opening of National Steel Summit, held at NAF Centre Abuja.
Gov. Ododo was represented at the occasion by the State Solid Minerals and Natural Resources Commissioner, Engr. Bashiru Gegu said vision, collaboration, and action can help transform the nation’s rich mineral endowment into a source of sustainable growth, jobs, and national pride.
Speaking on the Theme: “REBUILDING AND CONSOLIDATING NIGERIA’S STEEL INDUSTRY: COLLABORATIVE ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS”, Gov. Ododo express the State appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his commitment and workable diversification process into Solid Minerals sector and steel development.
Gov. Ododo commended the Honourable Minister and organisers of the stakeholders’ engagement.
Gov. Ododo described Kogi State as the Heartbeat of Nigeria’s Steel Potential, said the State is uniquely positioned in the national discourse.
He described the State as strategic and Home to the Ajaokuta Steel Company, rich deposits of iron ore in Itakpe, Agbaja, Agbado, Iwaa, Koton Karfe, Tajimi, Ebiya and an extensive network of ancillary mineral resources, said the state is the natural hub for Nigeria’s steel industrialisation drive.
According to Gov. Ododo, “The revitalisation of our steel industry is not just an economic imperative—it is a national security and industrial sovereignty necessity”.
“Kogi State is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors, facilitating responsible mining, and ensuring community participation through the Community Development Agreement (CDA) framework. We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the Federal Government, private investors, and international partners to reposition Nigeria as a global steel power house”.
On the Strategic Priorities for Sustainable Growth,
Gov. Ododo said “sustainable growth and global competitiveness will require:
• Revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel through pragmatic partnerships that combine public oversight with private sector efficiency.
• Full integration of upstream and downstream activities, linking iron ore mining in Kogi to steel production and fabrication industries nationwide.
• Investment in supporting infrastructure—power, transportation, and industrial clusters—to ensure cost-effective production.
• Policy stability, political will and investor confidence through consistent legal frameworks and incentives.
• Human capital development for skilled technical manpower, ensuring Nigerian workers lead the steel revolution”.
Gov. Ododo called for collaborative efforts said: ” Our steel sector has suffered setbacks due to incomplete projects, policy inconsistencies, inadequate financing, infrastructure gaps, and global market pressures. These challenges cannot be overcome by government or private investors acting alone—only through robust collaboration between all stakeholders can we rebuild and consolidate this sector for sustainable growth”.
Below is full text of Gov. Ododo’s speech delivered at the summit.
REMARKS BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, ALH. AHMED USMAN ODODO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE,
AT THE MINISTRY OF STEEL DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT ON “REBUILDING AND CONSOLIDATING NIGERIA’S STEEL INDUSTRY: COLLABORATIVE ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS.”
His Excellecency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR ably represesnted by His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON Vice president of our dear nation.
The Honourable Minister of Steel Development my wonderful brother Prince Shaibu Abubakar Audu,
My mentor, Dr Henry Dele Alake, the Fulcrum of Solid minerals development , the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and all other Honorable ministers present,
Distinguished stakeholders in the steel industry,
Captains of industry,
Members of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen.
1. Introduction.
On behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, my Governor, peoples Governor, chief servant, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, I wish to convey his warm greetings and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his commitment and workable diversification process into Solid Minerals sector and steel development. I commend the Honourable Minister and organisers of this stakeholders’ engagement. Kogi State is honoured to be part of this critical conversation on the future of Nigeria’s steel industry.
2. Kogi State: The Heartbeat of Nigeria’s Steel Potential
Kogi State is uniquely positioned in this national discourse. Home to the Ajaokuta Steel Company, rich deposits of iron ore in Itakpe, Agbaja, Agbado, Iwaa, Koton Karfe, Tajimi, Ebiya and an extensive network of ancillary mineral resources, our state is the natural hub for Nigeria’s steel industrialisation drive. The revitalisation of our steel industry is not just an economic imperative—it is a national security and industrial sovereignty necessity.
3. Challenges & the Need for Collaborative Action
Over the years, our steel sector has suffered setbacks due to incomplete projects, policy inconsistencies, inadequate financing, infrastructure gaps, and global market pressures. These challenges cannot be overcome by government or private investors acting alone—only through robust collaboration between all stakeholders can we rebuild and consolidate this sector for sustainable growth.
4. Strategic Priorities for Sustainable Growth
His Excellency believes that sustainable growth and global competitiveness will require:
• Revitalisation of Ajaokuta Steel through pragmatic partnerships that combine public oversight with private sector efficiency.
• Full integration of upstream and downstream activities, linking iron ore mining in Kogi to steel production and fabrication industries nationwide.
• Investment in supporting infrastructure—power, transportation, and industrial clusters—to ensure cost-effective production.
• Policy stability, political will and investor confidence through consistent legal frameworks and incentives.
• Human capital development for skilled technical manpower, ensuring Nigerian workers lead the steel revolution.
5. Kogi State’s Commitment
Kogi State is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors, facilitating responsible mining, and ensuring community participation through the Community Development Agreement (CDA) framework. We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the Federal Government, private investors, and international partners to reposition Nigeria as a global steel powerhouse.
6. Conclusion
A vibrant steel industry is the foundation of a truly industrialised Nigeria. Together—through vision, collaboration, and action—we can transform our rich mineral endowment into a source of sustainable growth, jobs, and national pride.
On behalf of His Excellency, I thank you for the opportunity to share Kogi State’s commitment and readiness to partner in this great national project.
I thank the father of the nation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his foresight and commitment towards industrialization which is part of his renewed hope Agenda.
Thank you and God bless.