By Martha Agas
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged the new Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Prof. Nasir Abdulsalam, to show competence and dedication.
The CSOs made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu recently approved Prof Abdulsalam’s appointment, effective April 3, to revive the steel industry and boost Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.
Ajaokuta Steel Company
Before his appointment, Abdulsalam, a professor of Geophysics, served as Technical Adviser to the Minister of Steel Development.
He was also Special Assistant (Academics) to the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Dr Abdullahi Jabi, Chairman of the North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy and Civil Society of Nigeria, urged Abdulsalam to work diligently and justify the trust placed in him.
“He should write his name in history as part of the team realising President Tinubu’s vision to revive the steel company,” Jabi stated.
Jabi said the appointment signals the President’s commitment to ASCL’s revival, which holds vast economic potential for Nigeria and the African continent.
“If fully operational, it will drive industrial growth, including vehicle manufacturing. It’s a crucial step forward, if successful,” he added.
Jabi also urged the MD to understand the company’s challenges and consider past recommendations to make informed decisions for ASCL’s recovery.
“He must learn from previous failures and evaluate the current administration’s political will to succeed.
“Reviving this ailing company is vital for economic development and job creation. It’s encouraging that Mr President is prioritising the steel sector,” he said.
Similarly, Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevyln Development Initiative (RDI), welcomed the appointment but stressed the need for transparency and accountability at ASCL.
“We expect the government to investigate and prosecute those behind the mismanagement and corruption that crippled Ajaokuta,” Jakpor stated.
He said several reports highlight issues like embezzlement, poor transparency, and bureaucratic delays that hindered past rehabilitation efforts.
“If these issues remain unresolved, this initiative risks becoming another failure,” he warned
