CSO To Buhari: Don’t Privatise Ajaokuta Steel

A Civil Society Organisation, Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to halt the planned concession of Ajaokuta steel company to foreign investors.

The organisation noted that the Ajaokuta steel company was too vital to be concessioned to strangers.

The Federal Government had in April approved the engagement of transaction advisors for consultancy services for the concessioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja at the weekend, President of (PMNN), Yahaya Ndu urged Buhari to halt the concession of the Abeokuta steel company until a new administration takes over in 2023.

He said: “We have been hearing about the so-called concessioning of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. Permit me to use this opportunity to appeal to President Buhari to please reconsider and put this move on hold in the interest of the nation. Ajaokuta Steel is too vital and interesting to be concessioned to strangers. When true patriots come into power come 2023, it should be handed over to a team of Nigerian and African engineers and the Nigerians society of engineers to run.”

Ndu, who doubles as the director, Institute for African Renaissance Studies and Realisation at the Gregory University Uturu, noted that the most fundamental and foundational task of any realistic administration come 2023 should be to transform Nigeria to a country devoid of primordial, ethnic, tribal and religious tendencies and loyalties.

He stressed the need to integrate Nigerians living in Diaspora fully into the governance gamut and in all arms of government.

Ndu said: “For too long we have denied our Diaspora community of their natural and inalienable rights and privileges. It is a shame that in spite of the fact that a court of competent jurisdiction affirmed their right to vote and be voted for in our elections since 2007 we have always found ways and excuses to rob them of these rights.

“We only remember them when it comes to looking for investment. What a shame. Incidentally our Diaspora community remits more than $30 billion annually back home.

“The right of Nigerians in Diaspora to vote and be voted for in our elections should be effected.”