In preparation to receive Russian experts for resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company, the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawal has sent high-powered delegation to Kogi State on fact-finding mission.
The delegation which was led by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi in conjunction with the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT/Cybercrime and Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Yakubu Oseni was yesterday received by Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja.
Following the adoption of the motion raised on the floor of the senate chamber by Senator Oseni, the Senate unanimously agreed to embark on the mission which according to the Senate Leader was abruptly put on hold as a result of the outbreak of COVID -19.
In recognition of the complementary and strategic roles that will be played by Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company for Ajaokuta steel resuscitation, the delegation’s first port of call was the Itakpe Iron Ore where they were taken round the various sites by a team of engineers.
The delegation, today, proceeded to the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and they were received by the Sole Administrator of the steel complex, Engr Abdul-Akaba Sumaila.
While giving remarks after hours of touring the complex, the Senate Leader, who was virtually moved to tears at the sight of the massive steel complex that was left to decay for decades, noted that the greatest injustice that has been done to Nigerians by successive administration is the callous abandonment of the project.
He however eulogized the firm resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari who he said has placed the project as utmost priority by amicably resolving all impediments to the full operation of the company.
Speaking on the relevance of their visits to the two companies which he described as strategic to the nation’s industrial revolution and economy diversification, Senator Oseni noted that Nigeria has to engage in meticulous re-evaluation of the status of the companies before the arrival of Russian delegates who will be in the country as soon as the ban on air travelling is lifted.
Senator Oseni also reassured his constituents that Ajaokuta steel will be revived during this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that the age-long monolithic economy of the country will finally be diversified for the benefit of Nigerians.
He said “the crude oil business is not booming anymore and it will keep going down especially with daily advancement in technology.
“My greatest joy today is that all the legislators both in the upper and lower chambers have taken the project as a priority just as the Executive under the leadership of Honourable Minister of Mine and Steel has emphasised severally how ready they are to deliver on the project”.
Aside Senator Oseni whose constituency hosts the companies, the delegation of the Senate President comprises the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Almakura Tanko and members, Senate committee on Solid Minerals.
Also present were Minister for Mines and Steel, Architect Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of State for Solid Minerals, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah and several other top government functionaries.
