By correspondent.
Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Built on a 24,000 hectares (59,000 acres) site starting in 1979, it is the largest steel mill in Nigeria- Wikipedia.
As Nigerians yearn and aspire to see the completion of over 40-year-old Ajaokutal steel project in Kogi State, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says the project will be a reality during the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima,who gave the assurance while speaking at a forum with members of the Nigerian community in Russia in St.Petersburg, assured that in the next 9 to 12 months, there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria.
He said his attendance at the Africa-Russia Summit was to pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and revive of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).
The VP said:“I am talking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are here for the Africa-Russia Summit, but we are also here, fundamentally, to pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and revival of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).
“It is going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial takeoff of any country. I can promise you that the president will bring Ajaokuta to reality.
“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one. We are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.
“We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off; we have no option than to bring them to reality.”
The Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Shehu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs Mary Ogbe were present at the forum.
Others are :The President, Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr Maurice Okoli, and the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO), Russia, Mr Sampson Uwem, among others.
Our correspondent reports that Shettima also attended the second edition of the Annual Arts Exhibition of the Nigerian Embassy, titled “I imagine Nigeria,” which showcased art works by young Russian artists in ST. Petersburg.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
