- Hon. Barr. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, the Member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, held a crucial meeting with the union leaders of the Ajaokuta Steel Project. The interactive session aimed to address the challenges facing Africa’s largest steel industry and explore pathways for its revitalization.
With the Federal Government of Nigeria signaling its commitment to revitalizing the steel sector, the meeting sought to gather firsthand insights from those directly involved in the industry. Hon. Abdulraheem emphasized the importance of the project to the region’s economic prospects, particularly in terms of job creation for the youth.
In his remarks, Hon. Abdulraheem commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the steel sector by establishing the Ministry of Steel Development. He also praised Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, for his efforts to attract foreign investment and enhance security around the steel complex.
The union leaders, in turn, expressed their appreciation for the Hon. Member’s proactive approach. They highlighted several ongoing issues plaguing the industry, including inadequate security, the cessation of staff training programs, and poor welfare conditions for workers. They noted that the technology at the Ajaokuta site remains suitable for Nigeria’s needs, despite these challenges.
Hon. Abdulraheem assured the union leaders of his ongoing commitment to addressing these issues, pledging to collaborate with both state and federal authorities to enhance security and improve worker welfare. He also reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring the Ajaokuta Steel Project reaches its full potential, promising to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of this goal.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue between the Hon. Member and the union leaders to ensure the success of the revitalization efforts. The session was attended by key union leaders, including representatives from the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the National Union of Mine Workers.
This interaction marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Project, which has long been seen as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s industrial development.