Vice-President Namadi Sambo said on Tuesday that the Federal Government would revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited soon to promote the development of the nation’s automotive sector.
Sambo, who stated this at the foundation laying of Kogi House in Abuja, explained that the revival of the company would offer viable socio-economic opportunities to Nigerians.
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan had already directed him to ensure the speedy revival of the industry. “Very soon, I want to assure you that the promise Mr President made sometime in Kogi State that the Ajaokuta Steel Industry will be brought back to life.
“I want to categorically state that all the encumbrances that have been stopping the progress of this project have been removed by Mr President.
“He has directed me as Chairman of the NCP (National Council on Privatisation), to expedite action and ensure that Ajaokuta steel industry is back to life,” he stated.
Sambo commended the Kogi State Government for keying into President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda in education, agriculture, healthcare and several other developmental efforts in the State.
He also lauded the Idris Wada’s administration for embarking on the construction of the Kogi House meant to boost the internal revenue base of the state.
“The land was allocated to the Kogi State Government for over 20 years running but your administration took the bull by the horn to develop it in order to harness and generate revenue and improve the economy of your state.
“It is most interesting to note your economic and financial innovation in funding the development of this 11-storey edifice via a Public Private Partnership model,” he said.
The vice-president reassured that the Federal Government would continue to partner with the state government in providing social amenities to the inhabitants of the state.
According to him, in addition to the President’s commissioning of the 450MW Geregu Power Plant, Federal Government will soon commission the standard gauge railway from Lokoja to Warri Port and will complete the Banda Inland Water Port by December.
“We are supporting the private sector in development of 1,000MW coal power plant as well as development of all the solid minerals and hydro-carbons. We shall continue to partner with you in the development of Kogi State,” he added.
Sambo urged other states government to emulate the strategy of Kogi State in achieving infrastructure development for the benefit of citizens.
In his remarks, Gov. Wada of Kogi, said the foundation laying of the Kogi House had underscored the new branding of the State as the “Confluence of Opportunities”.
He applauded the President Jonathan’s transformation agenda, which he said, had transformed the country, noting that the commissioning of Geregu Power Plant, the establishment of Federal University and a processing zone in the state had enhanced human development in the state.
Wada further revealed that the Kogi House, funded by the proceeds of the Bond collected by the State government, would bridge the housing need and provide employment opportunities in the FCT as well as generate revenue for the State.
According to him, the Kaibo Engineering Group Holdings Limited of China will contribute 20 per cent of the total cost of the project while the state government will contribute the remaining 80 per cent.
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