Mr Saraki said that he would concentrate more on the non-oil sector, which according to him, is key to boosting the economy and creating job opportunities.
Presidential aspirant Bukola Saraki has pledged to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel Company, the country’s vast but moribund iron milling complex.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) top shot also promised to revamp the agriculture sector if elected Nigeria’s president in 2023.
Mr Saraki, a former president of the Nigerian Senate made the pledges when he met party delegates in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital on Sunday, to seek their support for his ambition to govern the country.
”In the first one year of my government, resolving the issue of Ajaokuta will be our number one priority because it is crucial to Nigeria’s economy,” said Mr Saraki, “as well as mining and agricultural sectors.
”These are the sectors that could easily help our local industries to grow, our economy is too dependent on oil which is not too good for us.
”So, steel will be my social contract with Nigeria if I am elected as president.”
Mr Saraki that he would concentrate more on the non-oil sector, which according to him, is key to boosting the economy and creating job opportunities.
”I did not see why it should take seven years to resolve the Ajaokuta issue. As president, I will take charge, bring all the parties together, come up with a lasting solution and Ajaokuta will be running,” he said.
On security issues, Mr Saraki said it had been of great concern to Nigerians, stressing the need to ensure that new professionalism was brought into the process, provide the necessary equipment, proper training and accountability.
”With the 21st century, you cannot tell me that we cannot use technology to curb insecurity our country is currently facing.
