Phoenix Steel Mills Limited has called for the patronage of local steel manufacturing firms by the Federal and State government, to keep them afloat in the business world.

The Executive Director of phoenix Steel Mills Limited, Mr. Ajit Amtey made the call yesterday at the visit of a verification team from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to the company’s premises in Lagos.

Mr. Amtey while highlighting the challenges facing steel companies in the country advised the government against the registering of more steel company to check the proliferation.

He bemoaned the state of infrastructure in the country, describing it as a big challenge, adding that irregular power supply and bad roads also accounted for high operational costs and falling revenue for most steel firms.

Amtey said most operators were contending with the public misconception that local firms don’t manufacture quality iron rods, hence the preference for imported steel.

“Any country’s progress is measured by its per capita consumption of steel and there is need for the government to address the challenges facing the steel industry,” he said.

He however advised the government to, among others, discourage import of steel products, improve infrastructure and security, and see to the improvement of communication signals in the country.