BY FRANCIS KADIRI, ABUJA.
In order to actualize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s Eight-Point agenda of ‘Renewed Hope,’ the Ministry of Steel Development says it will open new vistas for global cooperation in the sector, adding that it will help to achieve the highly desired industrial revolution of the country.
The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu who gave the assurance during his facility tour of the National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited (NIOMCO), Itakpe, Kogi State, applauded the President for creating the new Ministry which is solely focused on Steel Development.
While saying that steel development is critical to the realization of the Fourth Industrial Revolution of the country, Audu said that implementing President Tinubu’s Eight-Point Agenda will take advantage of the potential of the steel sector to create jobs, eradicate poverty, attract foreign direct investment and tackle insecurity.
He said the goals are achievable if Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited, Itakpe are resuscitated.
According to the Minister, Itakpe has iron ore deposits that can feed Ajaokuta Steel Plant for years, adding that reviving Ajaokuta and Itakpe are crucial to realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
While saying that some components of the CNG gas cylinders can be produced in Ajaokuta, the Minister assured that his Ministry would send a recommendation to the President, seeking approval for Ajaokuta to begin to produce some components that would be used for the production of CNG cylinders. According to him, the local production of the components would reduce the cost of installing CNG gas cylinders.
Sole Administrator, National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited, NIOMCO, Mr. A.C Nkechika, emphasized the need for Nigeria to be part of the huge demand for iron ore market in Africa, adding that the visit of the Minister of Steel Development, soon after he assumed office, is an indication that Nigeria is on an upward trajectory to bringing the Renewed Hope Agenda to the people.
Mr. Nkechika however noted that some critical issues needed to be addressed for the country to fully harness the immense potentials that can be derived from the Steel Sector.
Executive Chairman, Okene Local Government Area, Abdulraheem Ohiare Ozovehe said the development of the Steel industry in the country would help to curb insecurity in the community and environs. He solicited the Federal Government’s support to ensure that the host communities are carried along, adding that the people of Itakpe are peace-loving.
