Ogembe cautions FG against sale of Ajaokuta Steel Complex

The Senator representing Kogi Central at the National Assembly, Ahmed
Salau Ogembe, has cautioned  the federal government against the
planned sale of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, located in Kogi state .

In a statement signed personally by the senator, the lawmaker noted
that a functional Ajaokuta Steel Company would help the country to
achieve technological growth and as well generate enormous employment
opportunities for the unemployed youths of Nigeria.

While describing those clamour for the sale of the steel plant as
selfish, he stressed that no country could be truly industrialised and
become self reliant without  a viable steel industry.

He called on the Nigerian government to take a queue from countries
like India, Ukraine among others that are still running their steel
plants till date for the benefit of their countries.

According to him, selling the plant in its present state would be a
monumental loss and a great disservice to the country and its people.

He said the Nigeria government should rather first complete the steel
plant after which it could call for private participation, ‘‘which is
the practice globally.’’

He listed  the advantages of a functional steel company to include,
employment  generation, foreign revenue earner, technology transfer
and solid industrial base among others.

The Senator said that the huge resources expended by government couple
with the expectations of the people over the years to see that the
government complete the Steel Complex must be taken into consideration
for any decision to be arrived at, now or in the future.

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