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Ajaokuta Steel: ISSSAN Pledges Support to Tinubu

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 12th, 2024.

Ajaokuta Steel: ISSSAN Pledges Support to Tinubu

The leadership of the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN) has pledged unwavering support to President Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing their collaboration with the Minister of Steel Development, Hon. Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, to ensure the successful completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company in Itakpe.

The union committed to providing all necessary information to assist the Minister in achieving his goals, which they believe will contribute to Nigeria’s industrialization and the welfare of its citizens.

In a statement released on Saturday, ISSSAN Chairman Comrade Ibrahim Audu Abdurrahman addressed what he described as “misleading and malicious allegations” against the Honourable Minister of Steel Development.

“Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is a capable leader known for delivering results. His innovative thinking and public service experience led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Russian government, the original builders of the Ajaokuta integrated steel power plant.

“We are disappointed to see false narratives circulating on social media claiming the Minister is not performing. We, as union leaders of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, firmly reject these misleading claims, particularly those from a group calling itself the Nigeria Good Governance Research Group (NGGRG). The motivations behind this group’s statements are suspect and do not align with the revitalization efforts of Ajaokuta Steel Company. We urge the Federal Government to stay focused on the path laid out by Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.

“We call on stakeholders to support the revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company in Itakpe, Kogi State, under the guidance of the Honourable Minister.

“This is a call to all Nigerians to reflect on the historical significance of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and its present challenges. Ignoring our past and potential future will be detrimental.

“The integrated steel plant was inaugurated during Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s administration, highlighting the importance of iron and steel in industrialization. After Tyazhpromexport (TPE) withdrew from the project in 2002, the plant remained inactive for years. The current administration, under President Muhammadu Buhari, engaged in negotiations with the Russian government to revive the company, but progress was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and political interference.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognizes that a nation without a steel industry risks falling behind economically. Consequently, he established the Ministry of Steel Development to oversee Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. The recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Government and the Russian Consortium, including the original builders of Ajaokuta, marks a significant step forward, transforming the plant from a perceived failure into a beacon of hope for many Nigerians.

“We have great confidence in the Honourable Minister and his ability to lead the revitalization project. As a united union, we will not allow sabotage from any quarter—be it doomsayers, political opportunists, or other detractors—to hinder this initiative. Now is the time for all parties to set aside personal agendas and focus on what benefits Nigeria.

“It is essential for everyone in the Ministry, from directors to the lowest levels of management, to collaborate with the Minister and the President to achieve the goals of the Ajaokuta resuscitation project.

The union urges all stakeholders to engage constructively and avoid destructive criticism as we work together to advance our nation.