The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the Revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company will host a virtual national confab on Ajaokuta, on Thursday, April 16, 2026
Themed: “The Ajaokuta Phenomenon in the Tinubu Era: A Turning Point or Another Missed Opportunity?”, the conference will bring together leading experts, policymakers, technocrats, and civil society actors from Nigeria and the international community to critically assess the trajectory of the steel sector.
The conference aims to provide a holistic review of efforts toward reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company, with particular focus on developments under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the organizers hinted.
The organizers also informed that the conference will feature Engr. Prof. Banji Oyeyinka, Visiting Fellow at The Open University, United Kingdom, and former staff of the African Development Bank, as the Lead Speaker.
He will be joined by an eminent panel of experts, including:Otunba Dele Ajayi-Smith, Africa Citizens Development Foundation (ACDF), Lagos,Barrister Clifford Thomas, Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, Uyo, Prof. Adediran Abubakre, Federal University, Minna, Mr. Collins Nweke, International Economist and former President of NIDO-Europe)
In a statement issued sequel to the commencement of online registration, the National Coordinator of the Coalition, Mr. Mohammed Bougei Attah, emphasized that the conference is designed to objectively evaluate the progress, challenges, and policy direction of Ajaokuta’s revival efforts.
According to him, previous administrations, including those of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, had also been reviewed by the Coalition regarding their commitments to the steel sector.
“This conference will provide a credible platform to assess whether the current administration is charting a new course for Ajaokuta or continuing a cycle of missed opportunities,” he stated.
The Coalition highlighted that the conference comes at a critical time, particularly in light of recent engagements by President Tinubu in the United Kingdom on steel importation and industrial partnerships.
These developments, the Coalition noted, raise important questions about Nigeria’s strategic direction in achieving self-sufficiency in steel production.