An NNPC pipeline in Escravos River is the albatross of the steel behemoth that has underperformed
BY BONAVENTURE MELAH
An oil pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that passes through the Escravos River in Warri, Delta State, is the major obstacle militating against the operations of the Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi State.
Ajaokuta Steel Company is the largest integrated steel company in West Africa; and has cost the federal government an estimated $7 billion (N1.1 trillion) since it was commissioned by the Shehu Shagari government in 1979.
In an exclusive interview with a former top management officer of the company, who did not want his name published, it was gathered that successive ministers and other top officials of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have preferred to ignore this issue in order to be assured of the regular government funding that has continued to flow into making the company work.
BY BONAVENTURE MELAH
An oil pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that passes through the Escravos River in Warri, Delta State, is the major obstacle militating against the operations of the Ajaokuta Steel Company located in Kogi State.
Ajaokuta Steel Company is the largest integrated steel company in West Africa; and has cost the federal government an estimated $7 billion (N1.1 trillion) since it was commissioned by the Shehu Shagari government in 1979.
In an exclusive interview with a former top management officer of the company, who did not want his name published, it was gathered that successive ministers and other top officials of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have preferred to ignore this issue in order to be assured of the regular government funding that has continued to flow into making the company work.
