Ajaokuta: Rebirth

           

                   AJAOKUTA STEEL COMPANY 

Ajaokuta steel company limited (ASCL) also known as Ajaokuta steel mill came to light about 5 decades ago. A supposed economic changer now an economic nightmare has been in minimal operation since its commissioning. It was initially conceived with a vision of erecting a metallurgical process plant cum engineering with other auxiliary facilities. To serve as job creation, foreign exchange saver, and earner, and to generate myriad socio-economic benefits for the nation.

The failure of this plant has been poor funding, and resourcing and management issues. Attempt to turn around the fortune of the plant through privatization have been unsuccessful. With this view, it would be seen that the plant was a victim of multidimensional corruption involving bureaucrats and politicians. It will be unbearable and heartbroken to know that the project has engulfed over $8 billion so far without any significant change.

NB

The article is not to put blame on any person quarters or group but to fashion out a reason for the dwindling fortune and also the possible ways to put the plant back to use.

               A highlight of history/past event

The project was first conceived as early as 1958 when it was realized that Nigeria could be one of the member states in the less of supplying steel around the world. It was not long after that that it politically entered into various arguments as to where to site the plant. After many issues and arguments, it was agreed to be sited at Ajaokuta where the organization derived the name. The industrialization was from the abundance of iron ore discovered in Itakpe, Ajabanoko, and Oshokoshoko, which was built to have a railway to transport iron concentrate straight to the steel plant. It will be interesting to know that the project was 84% completed before the 1983 coup, and 98%complete by 1994. The incessant change of power was part of this unfortunate incident that led to the total collapse of the plant.

Not long after that, the federal government signed an agreement with a Russian company to begin the construction of the steel plant. Subsequent play by the hijack of power for different reasons stopped the company and sent them packing. This gesture marks the beginning of its doom.

This event does not just make people lose their jobs, it also caused death, an increase in crime rate, poverty and psychological trauma, prostitution, and homelessness.

                           Present Operation

The plant as we speak of like a story retold and promises unkempt. It still looks like the caricature of the vision envisaged in the years past. The past government of President Mohamodu Buhari made known how the project took a major role in his administration. He took giant steps in reviving the plant but all to no avail. He had an understanding with President Putin of Russia before the war, and also with some US companies for take over before the covid-19, all to no avail. Presently the plant has been described by some quarters to come to life on the account of government's effort to put an end to corruption and face the project with positive intent.

                         WHAT TO BE DONE

In my view after reviewing the past, present and political conditions around this subject matter. I feel the way forward is to manage the Itakpe mines and the steel plant separately using different private investors for this purpose. I feel if the government is ready with the idea of transparency, she can still salvage what is left for the betterment of the people. I also feel the government should put more effort to improve the infrastructure around the plant for proper takeover or management. I think public-private partnerships should be encouraged and promote public contribution and transparency to the development.

I can't categorically say I have the solution. Please good people what do you think we can do to make this dream come to oast, and what could be done to salvage our dear AJAOKUTA 

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