Western Metal Products Company Limited on Friday began the trial-run of its new multi-billion naira integrated steel mill. This came amid promises of support from the Federal Government that it would be more careful in future in the choice of the next prospective managers of Ajaokuta Steel Company.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada who visited the new integrated steel mill at Magboro, Ogun State that the government made a peculiar mistake in its past efforts to privatise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex by putting emphasis on money as the most important consideration in its choice of management team.

He said his visit to the new WEMPCO integrated steel mill, ahead of the formal inauguration of the new facility, was informed by the importance the government attached to the position of steel in its economic transformation efforts.

He said a quick resolution of all the problems associated with the non-effective working of Ajaokuta Steel Company would have multiplier effects on the operations of steel rolling mills and their sectors of the economy.

Besides, he said under the new management of Ajaokuta Steel Company, the government will not step back; it will be involved in a supervisory role.