Mohammed Shosanya
Soviet Union Alumni Association of Nigerian Engineers,SOYUZNIK,and the CSOs Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel,have implored the incoming administration of Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
They urged to maintain the Ajaokuta Presidential Project Implementation Team (APPIT) to ensure holistic implementation of ASCL.
The groups gave the suggestion at a recent virtual meeting facilitated by Engr. Abdallah Mohammed Sanni, a member of SOYUZNIK and moderated by Mohammed Bougei Attah, the National Coordinator of the CSO Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company,according to a statement signed by the duo.
The statement said, participants commended the Buhari administration for bringing to an end the legal tussle that hindered the progress of the ASCL for over 30 years.
They also commended President Buhari for having the political will to intervene in the London arbitration case that saw Nigeria paying off the judgment debt to the tune of $495m and freeing the steel plant from foreign debt and ownership.
They further noted that the constitution of APPIT by the Buhari government is a good development as the Team is strategic in addressing the myriad of problems, internal and external forces confronting the revival of the company.
They advocated inclusion of a CSO representation in the APPIT with a view to ensuring transparency, guarantee trustworthiness and promote inclusiveness.
The groups urged the government to revisit the earlier request by the CSO Coalition to include a member on the APPIT Committee.
“In reviewing the policy documents for the operation of the plant, the meeting advised the government to revisit the initial working document prepared by some members of SOYUZNIK that served as the policy drive for the government in the last 8 years. The document is believed to have the approval of the Russian government and AFREMIX Bank International, the funding partners.
“However a Policy Brief and new book on “Steel Production and National Development: Strategic Options for the Incoming Administration”, which highlighted key issues in the implementation process and new developments are to be submitted to the incoming administration for review
“The meeting resolved at the close of deliberations that there is need to constitute a committee made up of members from SOYUZNIK and CSO Coalition. The Committee is to receive reports from the subsequent meeting of the groups for regular update with the government.
