Multi-Billion Dollars Steel Plant Inaugurated in Delta

After several years of attempt, Nigeria joined the global steel production again yesterday with the inauguration of the resuscitated Premium Steel and Mines Limited (PSML) formerly Delta Steel Company (DSC) at Ovwian-Aladja in Udu Local Government area of Delta State.

The plant is Nigeria's most versatile and only integrated steel plant and is projected to produce about 1.2 million tons of various steel products per annum at full capacity.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa performed the flag-off of the steel plant to commence full operations after years of inactivity. He observed that functionality of the steel company was very vital to the technological development of the nation.

“This is the right step if we must develop in Nigeria, as a nation, we must encourage development of infrastructure,” Governor Okowa said, adding, “it is sad that this place was abandoned for years because, there is no doubt that if we must grow technologically, we must produce our own steel.”

He noted that the reopening of the steel plant had brought excitement to Delta State government and the people of Udu in particular adding "we are very hopeful that their production output will surpass their previous output.”

The Governor disclosed that the management of Premium Rolling Mill would harness the huge oil and gas deposit in the area to also, establish a petrochemical company in the area.

He commended the Federal Government, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON( and other stakeholders for the different roles they played for the company to be back on stream asserting, “obviously, there is a lot to be gained as a people and government, we will remain peaceful and the company should take note of local content in their activities.”