Ajaokuta steel to start production before end of 2019 - Minister of mines
- The federal government said production will soon begin in the Ajaokuta Steel Company
- Olamilekan Adegbite said the government was working round the clock to make it a reality
- The Russian ambassador to Nigeria said his country was willing to help Nigeria revitalise it
The minister of mines and steel development, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite, has said that some sections of the Ajaokuta Steel Company will begin operation before the end of the year.
Daily Trust reports that the minister gave this revelation when he received the Russian ambassador to Nigeria, Alexey Shebarshir, in his office.
Adegbite said the government was making serious effort to see the Ajaokuta steel work and start production.
He said: "The federal government will revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce optimally.”
The minister clarified that contrary to report, the government did not abandon the company but due to some legal issues, it has not been efficient.
Adegbite said a lot of money has been spent to prevent the company’s asset from being vandalised and assured the ambassador of Nigeria’s readiness for any collaboration to revitalise it.
He said: "The plan on ground is to engage relevant companies on meaningful discussions with a view to employing strategic approaches on the best ways to reinvigorate the Ajaokuta Steel into full production so as a achieve the vision of making it the hub of industrialization not only to Nigeria but Africa at large.”
The Russian ambassador in his reaction said his country is ready to “partner with Nigeria in resuscitating Ajaokuta Steel Company, especially in the areas of rebuilding infrastructure and overhauling of the plant.”
He emphasised “on the need for the federal government to protect the private investors who are interested in turning around the company for maximum production.”
Meanwhile, the federal Ministry of Works disclosed that the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra state may be completed before the 2022 completion date.
The disclosure was made on Saturday, July 13, by Engineer Adeyemo Ajani, the controller, federal ministry of works in charge of Anambra state.
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Ajani, who spoke during a visit of by a delegation of Nigeria Society of Engineers led by their president, Engineer Chinasaokwu Okoli, said with the speed of the construction firm, Julius Berger, the project was likely to be completed before the approved date.
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Source: Legit.ng
