Ajaokuta: Host communities petition Senate over concession

Worried by the concession of Ajaokuta Steel Company, in Ajaokuta, and National Iron ore Mining Company, in Itakpe, Kogi State, by the Federal Government, the host communities have petitioned the Senate over what they called “rip-off of our national assets in the name of concession and flagrant deconstruction.”

The petition which was submitted to the Senate, by Senator Ahmed Ogembe, who is representing the host communities of  Kogi Central Senatorial District, at the National Assembly and signed by over 20 associations from the area.

The signatories among others to the petition include Ebira Peoples Association, Ebira Supreme Elders Forum, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Steel and Engineering Workers of Nigeria, Kogi Central Think Tank.

The petitioners appealed to the Senate to invite the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, the original builders of Ajaokuta Steel Company, the concessionaires, and the host communities and deliberate on the way forward in reviving the company.

According to them, “we appeal to the Senate to ensure that the Federal Government through the ministry of solid minerals to consider all viable options before entering into any agreement.”

They implored the Senate to look into the plight of the workers that are being owed salaries, allowances by the concessionaires.

Consequently they called on President Mohammadu Buhari, to as a matter of urgency constitute a presidential committee on Ajaokuta Steel Company, to asses and monitor the process of completion the project.