The federal government has been advised to be wary of the deceptive declaration by the managing director, Kaduna Mining Development Company Limited, Dr. Mohammed Sani, claiming that Kaduna state would be the first to produce liquid steel for industrial development in the continent.
Iron and Steel stakeholders in a reaction signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Lateef Bello, said the statement is not only condemnable but highly disappointing considering the heavy investments by some committed industrialists in Nigeria.
The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, to examine the activities of the company in order not to allow the government to fall victim to their propaganda and deception.
He noted that, “How can an upcoming investment claim to be the first company to produce liquid steel in the African continent after over 62 years of Nigeria’s Independence with high economic and industrial drive.
“The public pronouncement by Dr. Mohammed that work on the steel company was in top gear for completion whereby industries in need of it would come for patronage is nothing but a mere fallacy and deceit.”
Bello further added that Liquid Steel production has become a common trade in Nigeria steel sector with Ajaokuta Steel Company using it to produce billets before shutting down operations, as well as Delta steel among others.
According to him, “Presently in Nigeria, no fewer than 30 companies are into Liquid Steel production namely; African Foundry Ltd, (Ogun), African Steel Mills Nig Ltd, (Lagos), Abuja Steel Nig Ltd, (Abuja), Ikorodu Steel Mills Nig Ltd, (Lagos), Kam Steel Integrated Co Ltd, (Kwara), Kam Steel Integrated Co Ltd. (Ogun), Top Steel Nig Ltd, (Lagos), Pulkit Steels & Alloys Nig Ltd, (Lagos), Landcraft Industries Nig Ltd, (Lagos),Phoenix Steel Nig Ltd, (Ogun), Quantum Steel Nig Ltd, (Ogun) etc.
