ABUJA (Min of Mines and Steel Dev Report) – The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to make the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited effective again.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, stated this when he paid a working visit to the National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe, Kogi State, on Thursday, October 31, 2019.
The Minister who was accompanied by the Minister of State, Dr. Uchechukwu Samson Ogah and the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, said, the Federal Government is putting mechanism in place that would help to overcome all hurdles that may arise to jeopardize the process of revitalizing the companies.
He further explained that the two companies are too key to the nation’s quest for industrial development to be left in the hands of individuals or vested interest. He said, “The Iron Ore Mining Company is very important to Ajaokuta Steel, which is why the so-called concession agreement doesn’t make sense.
He allayed the fears expressed in some quarters, on legal issues of taking over Ajaokuta Steel, saying that, government is prepared to take control of both companies and make them functional. He noted that this would enhance the employment generation drive of this administration and other economic multiplier effects that would benefit all Nigerians.
Also speaking, Governor Yahaya Bello, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the renewed efforts towards making the two companies come alive. He called on the Federal Government to do everything possible to revitalize the companies, saying that with the tempo of efforts, the two companies can begin full operations in the next two years.
Timothy Akpoili
AD (Press)
For: Director (Press)
