FG promises to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company

The federal government, on Friday, promised to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State.

MakuThe Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, made the promise when the National Good Governance Tour team visited the complex in Ajaokuta.

“On our part, we will not let this place go down like that; we will do our best to revive this steel plant,” he said. “What we have seen is quite revealing and I can assure you that the huge investment by Nigeria in this project cannot go into the drains.”

Mr Maku, also the Supervising Minister of Defence, commended the workers for their faith in the plant and urged them to remain steadfast and continue to keep activities at the factory alive.

“Just like you have shown during these turbulent years, I appeal to you all to keep faith and continue to ensure that life continues in this place,” he said.

Earlier, Joseph Isah, the Sole Administrator of the company, told the tour team that the company was a huge investment opportunity for interested private sector players.

He said the federal government’s agenda for economic transformation could not be realised if the steel company was not revived.

According to Mr Isah, the steel plant had tremendous linkage and multiplier effect on the various sectors of the national economy that needs to be harnessed.

He said that contrary to speculations, most of the machines in some sections of the factory were in workable condition.

ajaokutaMr Isah said that the company, if revived, could create direct and indirect jobs for about 500,000 persons in its various sections and departments.

Otori Salihu, President of the Iron and Steel Workers Association of Nigeria, appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to pay a fact-finding visit to the company.

He said the nation’s Vision 20:2020 would be a reality if the steel sector was revived and opportunities in it harnessed.

“We are appealing to the president to come and see this place for himself because some people stay far away from here and say that Ajaokuta steel company is finished,” he said. “But I can tell you that is not true. Ajaokuta is not a failure; as you are seeing today, the workers want to work, we are ready to contribute our quota to the development of this country through this plant.”.

The Light Section Mill (LSM), the Machine and Tool Shop of the complex were operating at optimal level.

The machine and tool shop serve the Port Harcourt Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and some cement factories in the country.

 
[Nigerian Telegraph]

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One Comment

1. 

   Morakinyo Rasheed Adigun

   November 11, 2013 at 9:11 am

   500,000 jobs !!! So what have the past govts been looking @, But definitely from JEG this is an election gimmick, But why are our leaders so Callous. I don’t think there’s an industry that can produce half a million jobs @ once, its a pity we have such leaders because they are Our Actual Reflections.