Senator Mr Nurudeen Abatemi Usman VC of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta has alleged that some powerful Nigerians are part of the conspiracy to frustrate the take off of Ajaokuta Steel Project and Itakkpe Iron Ore Mining Company.

Addressing the people of his constituency at Okene, Mr Abatemi Usman disclosed that the successful completion of the steel companies would take 2.5 million Nigerians off the streets.

He however regretted that some few powerful individuals have connived with the western powers to stall the projects, adding that a completed and operational Ajaokuta and Itakpe companies would affect the economic interest of both Europe and United States.
He further disclosed that the country has so far spent USD 5 billion on Ajaokuta Steel Project, stressing that what was needed to complete the job was a billion dollars.

(Sourced from www.leadership.ng)