Mohammed Shosanya
A not-for-profit organization with extensive resource in many sectors of economy has volunteered to provide the expertise and skills required for the revival of and workable Ajaokuta Steel Company limited
The organization, People’s Expertise and Excellence Foundation, PEEF offered this opportunity while paying a courtesy visit to the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu recently in his office.
Led by PEEF Chairman, BoT who was represented by a member of the Executive Management Committee of the Foundation, Alh. Moshood Yusuf was at the Ministry at the heel of their national conference a week earlier in Abuja.
The conference focused on steel development and procurement management as the theme of the conference.
Presenting the group’s position during the visit,Alhaji Yusuf said it has become imperative to offer the Foundation’s assistance to government in view of the unresolved issues around the revival of the steel plant that has spanned over 30 years.
He said since government cannot do it alone, it was necessary for the private and the nonprofit sectors to support the government in the renewed efforts to get the plant functional
Speaking,the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Dr. Musa Rabiu added that PEEF is a conglomerate of experts from different backgrounds and has intervened on many national issues such as health, ICT and other areas that affect the country’s economic development.
Responding,the Minister, Prince Audu thanked the PEEF delegation and apologize for his physical absence at the conference held a week earlier, which was due to official engagements. He appreciated the Foundation for offering to support government with expertise and skills needed to move the steel sector forward.
Ajaokuta, the Minister said is engaging a new strategy to get the plant working in units as efforts are ongoing to secure a loan for partnership engagement.
The revival of the steel plant he informed the delegates need about $5bn to get it working effectively. He therefore promised to reach out to the group as the Ministry in currently discussing with some banks on the issue.