Nigeria's decades-long ambition to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company faces renewed scrutiny as the federal government advances a £746 million export finance deal with the UK. The pact, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to modernise Lagos's busiest seaports, but stakeholders say it primarily strengthens Britain's steel industry. The deal includes a £70 million contract for British Steel to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the port upgrade project. While this boosts UK manufacturing, critics argue it highlights Nigeria's dependence on imported steel, despite having one of Africa's largest steel plants lying dormant. "The Nigerian government has explored alternative partnerships, including talks with a Chinese firm over a $2 billion investment to revive Ajaokuta Steel." Me