Acting President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday ordered the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe to resume operation.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke who announced this yesterday said both companies would commence operation before the year ends.

She said the acting president had approved the sum of N650 million for salaries and operation cost.

The concessioning of Ajaokuta to Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, a member of Ispat Group, was revoked two years ago by the federal government.

"I am happy to report to you today that the Acting President has graciously approved the Ministry's request to re-operationalise both entities, prior to privatization. It is the Ministry's plan therefore, to ensure that both entities commence operations, not later than the end of second quarter of this year," she said.

The minister said in taking the decision, the government had considered the critical economic importance of both companies to industrialization, job creation, wealth generation, economic diversification, and import substitution among others.

The reopening of two companies, she said, would save the job of professionals who are already working in the companies, some since its inceptions back in 1979.

Commenting on this development, the Chairman, Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association (ISSSAN) Abdulkarim Jimoh said Ajaokuta has over 3000 workforce and by the time it start operation the company may need to employed more.

He added, "We owe five month salary that was last year, and two month this year including allowances."