The Ministery of Steel Development has disclosed that the collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Defence and Steel Development outlined Nigeria’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing equipment and harnessing the strategic potential of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, one of Africa’s largest and most vital industrial assets.
The Nigeria’s Minister of Steel, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar, said this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, November 2025.
This was contained in a statement by Tine-Iulun M.A, Assistant Director Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Head of Information & PR.
Prince Shuaibu emphasized that the
collaboration seeks to leverage Ajaokuta’s steel production capabilities to develop high-quality military hardware, including armored vehicles, weapons, helmet and other defense equipment.
Adding that the partnership will not only strengthen Nigeria’s defense industry but will help improve the security architecture of the country.
The MOU, which was signed by the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and the Minister of State, Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, were in two parts: One signed between the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and the Federal Ministry of Defence, and the other between Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
Earlier, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, noted that the significant event comes at the right time with high-impact prospects that will improve national security and drive Nigeria’s economic growth. “This particular MoU is unique in many respects as it comprehensively covers its scope — both national security and economic growth,” he stated.
Also, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the signing as an enduring commitment to Nigeria, stating that the MoU will create jobs and build local capacity in defence-related industries.
Both Ministries are optimistic that the collaboration will pave the way for further partnerships in the defense sector and contribute to the overall industrialization of Nigeria.