Rufus Olusesan calls for urgent revival of Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, an essential part of aluminium production machinery

Rufus Olusesan, National President of the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to revive the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill. He stressed that bringing the facility back to life is crucial for producing key raw materials such as aluminium and copper at affordable rates—resources vital to the survival and growth of Nigeria's industrial sector.

For the unversed, machinery used in aluminium production often incorporates steel, particularly in casting, extrusion and other processes. Other devices, such as rolling equipment, ladles, and crucibles, are made of steel. Aluminum serves multiple roles in steelmaking, notably as a strong deoxidiser and grain refiner. It is also used as a nitride former and alloying element. Due to its ability to effectively scavenge nitrogen from steel, aluminium is particularly valuable in producing drawing-quality steels, making it ideal for automotive applications.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Industrial Relations Conference held recently in Ogun State, Olusesan highlighted that the continued neglect of Ajaokuta remains a significant obstacle to the nation's industrial development and economic self-reliance.

"The moribund Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mills, which is supposed to be the bedrock of industrialisation, should be revived for production of aluminium and copper of a cheaper and affordable prices. If we want to keep our jobs, the unions, CAMAN, and other groups of employers of labour must join hands to resist anti-industrialisation policies of the government such as multiple taxation, incessant increase of customs and excise duty," added Rufus Olusesan.

Olusesan also called on industry stakeholders, including the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN), to stand together in opposition to what he described as the government's "anti-industrialisation policies." He specifically pointed to issues such as multiple taxation and the frequent hikes in customs and excise duties, which he said are placing immense pressure on local manufacturers and pushing many businesses to the brink of collapse.

Olusesan criticised the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs and the reclassification of electricity tariffs, describing them as further signs of the government's insensitivity to the plight of citizens. He remarked that "the nation is going through a very difficult period."

In a broader national context, the union leader condemned what he called the lavish lifestyle of the political elite, drawing a stark contrast with the growing poverty and hardship endured by everyday Nigerians.

Regarding industrial relations, the PERESSA President highlighted the union's strides in revitalising its internal structures. Since assuming office in 2022, he noted, the union has successfully signed a procedural agreement. It is now close to finalising a National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement to address sector-wide minimum wage standards and improve workers' welfare.

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