Nigeria Union of Mine Workers kicks against sale of Ajaokuta Steel Company

The Nigeria Union of Mine Workers has reiterated its opposition to the planned sale of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to a private sector and expressed determination and readiness to work for the development of the company when operation commences.

National Treasurer of the Union, Comrade Yusuf Osobah, who represented the National President of the union, Alhaji Hamza Mohammed, at the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers at the NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja, said it would be counterproductive, retrogressive and tantamount to selling the God-given commonwealth to few privileged individuals or groups who have crippled the economic and political fortunes of the country.

He said that handing over the Ajaokuta Steel Company to any individual or groups would finally seal the future development of the country’s economy and widen the already overstretched unemployment situation.

Comrade Osobah warned that the ongoing conspiracy theory against Ajaokuta would boomerang on all Nigerians in the future, pointing out that the whole world looks up to iron and steel for infrastructural development.

He advised the Federal Government to redirect its spending to the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Company to support the economy and guarantee the future of Nigerians, as oil is longer sustainable.

While inaugurating the newly elected state officials of the union, Comrade Osobah charged them to be committed to their responsibilities, dedicated to the course of the union, support the ideals of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress and organise similar labour unions in several mining companies across the state.

The ceremony was attended by the Controller of Labour Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, NLC, TUC and other trade unions in Kogi State.

The newly elected officials include Comrade Obokor Newlife (Chairman), Comrade Ocheni Salifu (Vice Chairman), Comrade Habib Musa (Treasurer), Comrade Falade Deola Ayinke (Assistant Secretary),Comrade Mohammed (Organising Secretary), Comrade Amonahini Omonayin Moses (Financial Secretary) and Comrade Dahunsi Charity Atinuke.

Others are Comrade Kabiru Isah Ajana (PRO I), Comrade Icha Robert (PROII), Comrade Ibrahim Sheidu (Auditor) and Comrade Binta Fatima Usman (Women Leader).

The State Secretary of the union, Comrade Momoh jimoh Salami, who organised and conducted the election, explained that the process was very peaceful as the exercise was by consensus and affirmation.