The Iron Rod and Steel Dealers Employers Union of Nigeria has described the redeployment of Sen. Gbemisola Saraki as the new Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development as a welcome development.
The National President of the Union, Chief Gbenga Awoyale, in a statement on Friday urged the minister to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.
TAwoyale, however, commended the redeployment, advising the minister to dedicate her focus on ways to rally financial and technical support that would facilitate the resuscitation of Ajaokuta, Jos, Oshogbo, Delta and Katsina steel rolling mills.
He said that some of these mills had not produced for more than 20 years, in spite the concession of some of them to managers.
According to him, government has to ensure that the concessioners get these mills working or revoke and re-award the concession to other interested people.
”The country is saturated with substandard iron rods now because our local mills are dysfunctional.”
”The union is confident in the capability of the former Minister of State for Transportation – Sen. Saraki – to champion the resuscitation and development of the mines and steel industry in Nigeria,” he said.
The president said that Sen. Saraki would ensure availability of quality steel products and enhance economic development.
”It is with great pleasure that the Iron Rod and Steel Dealers Employers Union of Nigeria receive the news of redeployment of Sen. Gbemisola Ruqoyyah Saraki as the Minister of State for Mines and Steel.
”Considering her track record of excellent delivery as a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, the Nigerian Senate and lately, Minister of State for Transportation, we are confident she would deploy her magic wand in tackling the seemingly unsurmountable challenges of the Nigeria steel industry.
”As a leading advocate and partners in the war against substandard steel products in Nigeria; a menace that has led to several building collapse and loss of several lives, we want to assure you of our readiness to partner with your good office in the noble course,” he said.
Awoyale implored Sen. Saraki to work assiduously with other stakeholders to ensure the Federal Government resuscitated all moribund steel rolling mills in the country.
He also urged her on employment creation, tackling the rising inflation trend, enhancing Nigeria’s economic growth and reducing drastically the menace of substandard steel products.
”We congratulate the Hon. Minister of State for Mines and Steel and wish her a fulfilling tenure in office,” the president said.
