Senate adhoc committee vows to revive Ajaokuta Steel Complex

The Chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee, investigating activities in Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company Itakpe, both in Kogi State, led by Sen. Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire (SAN), has vowed to revive the steel complex.

The chairman of the Senate Committee also noted that his committee is not approaching the steel complex with a mindset that there is corruption or inefficiency.

According to Senator Adegbonmire, the committee is instead visiting the steel plant with a firm commitment to uncover why the Ajaokuta Steel Plant is not functioning, decades after it was established.

The chairman of the Senate Adhoc Committee, investigating the alleged incidences of corruption and inefficiency, stated this during their visit to the company, adding that comments circulating on various social media platforms and other media outlets are not part of his committee’s mandate, and labor or workers’ matters being discussed have no place in their assignment.

Speaking further, he said, “The visit is aimed at understanding the situation of the steel plant and getting firsthand information directly from the plant. Our mission, therefore, is to ensure that the jinx is broken and the steel plant works.”

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In his welcome address, Engr. Kanwai Atungs Joseph, Acting Chief Executive of the company, appreciated the interest shown in the company and acknowledged the importance of their investigation aimed at finding solutions to the problems of the company.

Speaking further, he said, “We recognize the trust placed in us to manage a national asset like this steel plant and are committed to transparency and accountability. Our company has always strived to operate with integrity, deliver quality products when in production, and preserve this huge government investment at all times.

“We understand that allegations of corruption and inefficiency are serious concerns and assure you of our full cooperation throughout this investigation.

During your visit, we will provide unfettered access to our facilities and information. Our team is prepared to address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring a thorough and impartial investigation.

Indeed, it is necessary to start by giving you an understanding of how the company was, how it is now, and why we are still here.”

Earlier, the union leaders of the companies had charged the Senate Adhoc Committee to be transparent, fair, and just in their task so that they can earn the trust of all stakeholders throughout their assignment.

In the welcome address, read on behalf of the workers by Comrade Salihu Idowu Adinoyi, Chairman of the Miners Union of Nigeria, Ajaokuta Branch, the workers also expressed their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his tireless and purposeful efforts toward the revitalization of the company in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

They described this as a step in the right direction toward the industrialization of the company.

“Our appreciation also goes to the Honourable Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the immediate past Sole Administrator, Engr. Sumaila Abdul Aka’aba FNSE, for their steadfastness and commitment to the progress made thus far regarding the revival of the company, especially the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Russian Consortium, led by the original builders of Ajaokuta Steel Plant, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), including Novostal M and Proforce Manufacturing Limited, for the rehabilitation and completion of Ajaokuta Steel Plant.”

They emphasized that the committee, while carrying out this assignment, must avoid the idea of media trials and the seeming persecution of any individual or group of individuals through sponsored negative press releases about Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

They said this should be resisted and discouraged in its entirety.

They maintained that they would not sit back and allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to either truncate the progress made so far by the Federal Government of Nigeria or undermine the positive efforts that have been put in place through the combined efforts of workers and stakeholders in the industry.

They claimed some individuals have used faceless and unpatriotic groups to defame or malign the company for selfish reasons.

“Furthermore, we all know that information, as they say, is power, and at the same time, ‘if you are not informed, you will be deformed.

“We therefore call on all genuine and sincere Nigerians seeking information about Ajaokuta Steel Plant to, as a matter of fact, ask from the right sources to avoid causing confusion at any level of this investigation.

“In view of this, we urge the committee to ensure that it seeks information that can help in carrying out this important assignment without compromise or prejudice, from the right sources, such as the Ministry of Steel Development, the management of both ASCL and NIOMCO, the various union leaders across the board, and other relevant stakeholders.

“Anything outside these may lead to an unsuccessful assignment without achieving the desired objectives.”

The statement, which read in part, said, “The Workers’ Union leaders, on behalf of the entire staff, wish to heartily welcome our distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited for an oversight function, which we believe is in the interest and betterment of the company.

“Firstly, we want to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his tireless and purposeful efforts towards the revitalization of the company in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Our appreciation also goes to the Honourable Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the immediate past Sole Administrator, Engr. Sumaila Abdul Aka’aba FNSE, for their steadfastness and commitment to the progress made thus far regarding the revival of the company.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE