The Senate has again decried the state of abandoned Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Project ,Calling for a special funding for the iron and steel industry, to help in the economic growth and diversification of the Nigerian economy.
The chairman senate committee on Solid Minerals, Mines, Steel Development and Metallurgy, senator Tanko Almakura made the appeal while presenting the committee’s report of the Ministry’s budget before the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Almakura appealed to the committee to consider special funding for the mines and steel ministry to make the industry a viable option for diversification in the country.
The lawmaker added that , For the last two years when the initiative was put forward to re-activate the company, there has not been any meaningful allocation to the company, Which has hindered the much-expected takeoff or reactivation of the company.
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He added that bureaucracy and nepotism within agencies, departments and ministries of government have stalled the takeoff of the project.
Senator Smart Adeyemi in his submission says solid mineral is key to the nation’s socio-economic development and will help the nation in job creation and employment opportunities for youths.
Chairman senate committee on appropriation, Jibril Barau says despite huge sums of monies channeled to revive the Ajaokuta steel complex , the project is still in a state of decay which he says calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the industry to achieve the much desired results.
(Editor : Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
