PRINCE HABIB ENESI, PhD
Department of History and International Studies,
Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
Abstract
Industrialization is undoubtedly the cornerstone of every nation’s development and prosperity, as evident in the studies of industrial revolutions in many parts of the world. Hence, several nations desire and strive to be industrialized for their overall socio-economic benefits. This paper therefore examines the peril of industrialization in Nigeria and its link to the nondevelopment of the Nigerian steel sector, taking cognizance of steel as the bedrock of industrialization. The paper adopts the qualitative method of research using both primary and secondary sources. The findings are presented in themes. It argues that Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources that could propel the nation to becomingsteel-producing, which will have a ripple effect on the socio-economic psyche of the nation. It further argues that the non-completion of Nigeria’s steel projects, nay Ajaokuta Steel Company, has become a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s industrialization despite the abundance of raw materials and urges the Nigerian government to develop its steel sector as a prelude to industrialization, else the nation will continue to be in drought even in the rains.
Keywords: Steel, Development, Industrialization, Nigeria, Ajaokuta
Introductio Industrialization is a key factor that propelled the world into economic prosperity and development. This is evident in the studies of the industrial revolutions in Europe, America and lately in Asia. Thus, every nation desires to be industrialized to reap the socio-economic and political bounties associated with it, especially the creation of wealth. Industrialization is also capable of providing solutions for the myriads of