In the world’s most industrially developed countries, the steel industry has served as the key ‘generative’ sector. It was the centre of capital accumulation, the basis for a series of linked industries, the source of technological innovations that spread to other sectors, and the model for government-industry relations in the wider economy.
Today, 15 out of the 20 largest economies in the world are among the top 20 crude steel producing countries. Nowhere in this world now can any country industrialise or move its economy forward without a science and technology regime that emphasises iron and steel. Without such emphasis, the country is ‘just dreaming’.
Without Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Complex as well as associated industries, being made to be fully operational, Nigeria will dream on fruitlessly. The complex was conceived to be the driving force of Nigeria's quest for technological advancement – just like the steel industry did to foster industrialization for the 20 largest economies in the world.
Various factors, including discouragement from some international bodies, stopped the Ajaokuta project in its tracks when it was already 98% completed. Similar international tactics did not dissuade Egypt, which went on to become the second largest producer of crude steel in Africa - second only to South Africa; and is about the 30th country ahead of Nigeria in the world.
Leadership failure led Nigeria in the wrong path of disregarding Ajaokuta Steel. Nevertheless, the complex remains the most dormant backbone for industrializaon in Nigeria. Failure to activate it is a bad omen.
Even the latest revolution coming from nano-science and nano-technology cannot displace the critical place of Ajaokuta Steel in Nigeria’s industrialization. The essence of the revolution lies in miniaturization, advanced techniques, and cost effectiveness. These benefits enhance, rather than displace, the steel-based industrial activities. For instance, nano-materials, nano-fluids and nano-membranes are used to improve metallic properes and strength in the manufacturing of pipeline materials and in cleaning of oil spillages and environmental remediation.

A formidable industrial sector, with a fully operational Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Complex, driving a new, credible and stable political order and economy.