Mariam Adams
Kogi State Ministry of commerce and Industry on Tuesday called for synergy and concerted effort to address matters rising from revenue generation in the state.
The Commissioner made the call during a sensitization visit to UNICAD in Jamata, NIOMCO in Itakpe, BN Ceramic in Ajaokuta and Ajaokuta steel company, Ajaokuta respectively.
Olofu said the visit is in line with the government effort to improve on the economic status of kogi State.Adding that,the coexistence of the ministry with these companies will create enabling environment for industrial and commercial activities to strive in the state.
The Acting Sole Administrator, National Iron Ore mining company NIOMCO in Itakpe, Nkechika Augustus said the company is a federal government project located in Kogi State due to the massive deposit of Iron in the area.Adding that the visit is an indication of recognition by the state government of the company’s existence.
The team moved on to UNICANE Industries LTD in Jamata where they met with with the Executive Director, Mr Wissan Hazury and his management team.Hazury noted that the company is an alcohol based industry that derive its product from cassava as the raw material.He added that, not less than 15,000 farmers are benefiting from the company and as part of the corporate social responsibility effort, employment oppourtunities is been created for the host community.
Following the aim of the visitation, Olofu with his team moved to BN Ceramics industry in Ajaokuta where further discussion was made on business premise taxation and corporate social responsibility. The Human Resource Manager, Aliyu Mohammed said the company will not relent on its effort in carrying out its corporate social responsibility to its host community.He appealed to the commissioner to look into the issue of double taxation as it affects the company.
Moving on, the team was received by the Head of Engineering Works and Services, Engr.Babajide Suru in Ajaokuta steel company, Ajaokuta.Suru stated that the visit is well timed as plans are already in motion to revive the company.He further added that that the company is prepared to collaborate with the Ministry to boost economic activities in the state as provision will be made to employ not less than 10,000 personnel as soon as the company begins operation.
Highlights of the visit was a powerpoint presentation by the companies and presentation of legal santions on failure to adhere to regulatory policies by the legal Adviser of the Ministry Barr.Suru.
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