BY FRANCIS KADIRI
The Nigerian Union of Mine Workers has urged the Federal Government to do more than it is currently doing to restore Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company to productivity.
The union stated that the protracted delays in operating the steel complex has impoverished thousands of its members as some lost their jobs while many more who could have been employed were not employed as a result of the comatose state of the establishment.
President of the union, Hamza Muhammad, who spoke to our correspondent on the sideline in Abuja, during the recent national conference on Ajaokuta Steel Project and President Muhammadu Buhari’s industrialization agenda, said the government had made some efforts by constituting special purpose committees involving the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Ministers of Mines and Steel Development among others.
He however noted that the political will should include setting a tentative date for the kicking off of the rolling mills, adding that the committees have not achieved much in the six years of the Buhari’s administration.
“This government has being in power for six years, and has barely two more years to go,” Hamza said, noting that the administration should determine a date and work with stakeholders to realize the set goal.
He said “sometime when a goal is set, it should include a particular date as it will enable you to review your progress and know if you are hitting the target,” stating that the governments of nations are powerful, and if they determine to achieve a goal and set a definite date for it, they should be able to achieve it.
Hamza grievously lamented the rising unemployment in the country, noting that industrialization is the key to create sustainable jobs and get Nigeria into the committee of powerful nations in the world.
“Yes, I believe that Nigeria can be a superpower, but we need to be more proactive in the steps to take towards industrializing the country,” he said.
