Ajaokuta Steel Critical to Revival of Nation’s Manufacturing, Says Innoson

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Head of Corporate Communication, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Mr. Cornel Osigwe, has appealed the federal government, Nigerian governors and members of the National Assembly to critically look into the revival of the nation’s steel industry.
Specifically, Osigwe, who spoke at the weekend at the 8th Coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye, listed the steel plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State as key to meeting this aspiration.

The company also donated two vehicles and two motorcycles to support the monarch on his 8th coronation anniversary celebration at his palace in Ile-Ife.
 “We have been advocating the revival of the steel industry and as you know, the raw materials that are being used in producing steel, the iron raw  materials we have them  in huge abundance in this country.

 “We have it in Kogi, Niger state, Abuja, even in Enugu and we have about 8.3 billio tons of iron too that is not being tapped,” he said.
Osigwe emphasised that if the steel industry is revived, it will go a long way in reducing the price of the commodity in Nigeria and help car manufacturing companies to slash the cost of production.

He stated that the traditional ruler ha been one of the strong advocates of Innoson Vehicle, as an indigenous company.
Recently, the king admonished Nigerian leaders to encourage local production and patronage of products with relevant laws and policies.
He also enjoined Nigerian governors and members of the National Assembly to promulgate policies and laws that would galvanise local production, boost the nation’s economy and provide job opportunities for youths.