Delta to partner with steel firm for state’s industrialisation

Delta State government is set to partner with Metwest Steel Company, a renowned steel manufacturing company, to fast-track the industrialisation of the state.

Governor Oborevwori, who received the company’s Chairman, Mr Arun Goswami, and Managing Director (MD), Mr Osaro Abusomwan, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba, on Friday, pledged his administration’s readiness to partner with the company and other investors who have the overall interest of the state at heart.

He said, “Last month, I went to inspect your factory and also to the Delta Free Trade Zone, Kwale; it was an assessment visit just to be sure of what is on the ground.”

The governor’s position was that the partnership should be a “public/private arrangement where both the government and the private sector will look at what is on the table, then look at what is on the ground and see if the state government is ready to continue.”

“However, I want to assure you that we are ready to continue with you,” the Governor added.

The company made the pledge when its Chairman, Mr Arun Goswami, and Managing Director (MD), Mr Osaro Abusomwan, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.

Earlier, the Chairman, Mr Goswami, said the organization had the potential to develop the Kwale Free Trade Zone, run the Gas to Homes project in Delta State, and establish a Seamless Pipe and Cylinder manufacturing plant in Warri.

Also speaking, the MD, Mr Osaro Abusomwan, thanked the Governor for giving consent to the proposals, which would lead to the creation of over 500 direct jobs initially, with a total of 7,000 such jobs within six years, a considerable number of indirect job opportunities, and enhanced Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

While stating that the proposed partnership, the details of which would be worked out in due course, was in line with the Delta Beyond Oil initiative and pursuant to the MORE agenda of the Oborevwori administration, Mr. Abusomwan said the company was already providing training and internship programs for young engineers.