The member representing Idah/Ibaji/Igalamela/Odolu/Ofu federal constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Emmanuel Makoji Egwu (PDP) has called for synergy between the executive and the legislature to fast track the completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
He made the statement while reacting to a recent visit of the House committee on Steel, led by the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara to the company.
Egwu who was part of the team that visited and inspected the company, stated that “I agree with the Speaker and the members of the Committee. Concessioning Ajaokuta Steel Company, a multi-billion naira industry capable of driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement to the top will amount to concessioning the future of our country and must be resisted by all well meaning Nigerians.
“The company, when fully operational will place Nigeria on the map of industrial nations, reduce overdependence on oil, boost export, improve foreign exchange and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.”
Hon. Egwu who has been highly vocal in advocating for the revamp of Ajaokuta Steel Company since assuming office, commended the Speaker and the members of the House Committee on Steel for turning their attention to company and reassured Nigerians that hope has been rekindled again.
“It is a big shame that successive administrations did not put in adequate efforts to ensure the completion of the last phase of the company despite making it one of their key campaign promises.
“The amount needed for the completion of the last phase is estimated to be about $500 million and is not too much to source if the political will is strong enough.
“To actualise this great mission we need a strong collaboration between the executive and the legislature. There are so much benefits to be derived from Ajaokuta that the company cannot be allowed to rot,” he said.
