Metal workers laud efforts to revive Ajaokuta steel

Workers in the metal industry have lauded the Federal Government for its effort to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other aspects of the industry.

Speaking on this, the Executive Secretary, African Iron and Steel Association (ASIA), Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, said the effort is in the right direction.

The operators made the assertion during paper presentations at the 2nd Nigeria Metallurgical Industry Stakeholders’ Forum (MISF) organised by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, for operators in the industry in the North East geopolitical zone, in Bauchi state.

"The effort of the government to reposition the Metallurgical sector is in the right direction, especially the Government to Government arrangement with Russia to complete the Ajaokuta Steel Company, if completely carried out will give impetus to metal industries development in the country," Mohammed said.

In a statement from the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Edet Akpan, said the theme of the forum, “COVID 19 Pandemic: Impact and way forward for economic recovery and growth through value addition in the Minerals and Metals sector, is in tandem with the post COVID 19 strategic plan for economic recovery.

“The present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is poised now more than ever to create an enabling environment for metallurgical operators and all other allied metal outfits in the sector."

Sunny Ekozin, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development at the event, said the Ministry has set strategies to develop the entire upstream and downstream mineral sector.