The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC) on Friday commended the Federal Government for its decisive action, which has rekindled hope for the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The umbrella youth organization also praised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, for her relentless efforts in championing the revitalization of the Federal Government-owned company.
It can be recalled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently announced that the planned revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Company would commence in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
This announcement followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE), the original builders of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant. The MoU covers the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the plant, along with the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).
According to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, “I would like to give credit to the President, who has demonstrated extensive political will in ensuring that the Ajaokuta Steel Company is reconnected with its original builders. A series of MoUs and agreements have been signed, and by the first quarter of next year, we expect Tyazhpromexport to be on the ground to kick-start the revitalization of the plant. This positions our country strategically to manufacture core components and machinery utilized in the oil and gas sector.”
Reacting to this development in a statement signed by their President General, Comrade Terry Obieh; Vice President, Comrade Balarabe Rufai; and National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders lauded the Senator’s dedication and unwavering commitment, which has led to this promising progress.
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The group noted, “A few weeks ago, we wrote an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighting the deplorable state of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. We also followed up with letters to the EFCC and the ICPC, drawing attention to the corruption that has plagued the company.
“We are delighted that the Federal Government has translated words into action with the signing of the MoU, marking the beginning of the company’s revitalization. Furthermore, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has persistently worked to ensure the company’s revival. She exemplifies true representation, serving as a voice for the people and setting a standard for others in the National Assembly.”
The group added that, despite being a first-term senator, Akpoti-Uduaghan has made an indelible impact not only in her constituency but across Nigeria, as the Ajaokuta Steel Company is a national asset capable of creating employment opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths.
They encouraged the Senator to maintain her momentum and ensure that the company resumes full operations as scheduled in 2025.
“The youth of this country hold Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in high regard for her leadership in this endeavor. We also commend Mr. President for his responsiveness and fatherly guidance. Rest assured, we are fully committed to supporting this noble project to its successful realization,” the youth leaders concluded.
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