Major Steel investor solicits partnership with Delta Government

By Iloba Sylvester,

 

The Management of Eastern Metals Ltd (EML) in Issele-Azagba, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, a major player in the steel industry, has called on the Delta State Government to partner with it in the expansion of the steel industry for maximum production.

The Chief Financial Officer of the company, Mr Osaro Abusomwah, representing the MD/CEO, Mr Arun Goswani, made this call when he received the management of Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) on a tour of the company.

Mr Abusomwah stressed the need for the government to partner with the private sector in order to grow the state economy.

He said that the EML currently seats on landmass 14.5 hectares of land, employing over 500 Deltans and called for the support state government to enhance its urbanization and wealth creation policy.

Mr Abusomwah disclosed that EML specializes in the production of ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as nails, billets, wire rods in coils, pipes, lead, aluminium and copper, thereby closing the gap existing in the demand and supply of these products in the country.

He stated further that the company aligns with the State Government mantra of prosperity for all, “We engage in community development, provide training for the youths of the community to bridge the skill gap for industries and we are presently deploying water purification equipment and facilities to the host community.

“Our CEO, Mr Goswani being passionate about skills development and youth engagement is putting plans in motion to establish a full-fledged hands-on skill training centre within the factory that will provide skilled and competent labour for the steel and manufacturing industry.”

He, however, noted that the challenge of adequate power supply and security is hindering the company from performing at optimal capacity.

In his words “We provide power and security for our equipment and staff and we’ll greatly appreciate it if the Delta State Government can provide support for us in this regard.”

Speaking on their plans on the expansion of, Mr Abusomwah said that the company has put in motion plans to partner with the State Government in establishing an industrial park within the area.

“We are proposing an industrial park to act as a special economic zone with export potentials to serve both solid minerals and the agricultural sector. The manufacturing and agricultural industries will be catered for by providing infrastructure whereby produce will be processed and warehoused for export.

 

“The park will also have a power supply for cottage industries so we are basically calling on the State Government to develop both the agricultural and the manufacturing sectors of the economy in line with the present administration’s policy of diversification of the State economy.”

Responding, the Chairman, Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) Hon. Paul Nmah assured that the Delta State Government would support the efforts of the company in line with its policy of facilitating investments and providing enabling environment for investments to thrive in the State.

“We totally support their expansion plans which I believe will give room for industrialization and create more employments for the teeming youths. Also, it will equally help to increase the State internally generated revenue (IGR).”

According to the DIDA boss, he was amazed at the operation the company presently have on ground and assured that DIDA will continue to interface with them to ensure that their needs are met.

Speaking earlier the Director-General of the Agency Chief Lucky Oghene- Omoru stressed the urgent need to partner with EML in actualizing their expansion plans as the company will serve as major off-taker of the Delta State power solution project.

The DG stated further that the company is already adding to the GDP of the State, has the capacity to generate export proceeds of N10billion annually and notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic the company has a turnover in excess of N4.7billion at July last year.

Omoru assured that DIDA will do all that is within its mandate to support the company’s investment drive.

Also present during the tour were the General Manager, EML, Mr Rohit Goswami, Human Recourses Manager /Head of production EML, Mr Benjamin Oluka, DIDA delegation included Mr Peter Okolie SIA, Mr Christopher Memeh SIA, Mr Fred Onojeta SA to DG, Mr Ikechukwu Johnbull DA, Mrs Faith Odearuduo DOSSIC, Mr Ogheneovo Okome DPPP, Mr Felix Nwamumu DPRS, Mr Sylvester Iloba PRO.