Picture of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN) are worried over the planned Ajaokuta Concession, saying the outcome could negatively affect workers’ welfare.
A statement on Monday by the National President, Kolawole Mustapha said they were not happy with not being included in the whole concession process.
The President Muhammadu Buhari administration had explored ways of reviving the Ajaokuta Steel complex by doing a concession arrangement, adding that it will immensely benefit Nigerians.
The Union urged the Federal Government to ease the concerns of ISSSAN and its members by making the concession process all-inclusive and inviting major stakeholders in the steel industry.
The Obasanjo administration had, in 2004, agreed to a concession deal with Global steel industry, which later collapsed, and so Global steel the Nigerian Government for around $7 billion.
After 12 years of legal battle, the Buhari government settled for over $400 million with the last instalment paid in February of 2023.
The Federal Government is already in discussions with other interested investors who are thought to be ready to take over the steel complex, according to Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.
Writing by Tersoo Nicholas; Editing by Tony Okerafor