By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc committee investigating the prolonged inactivity at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company in Itakpe, Kogi State, has declared that it was time to resolve the decades-long stagnation of the steel plant.
Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, leading the committee, made this statement on Wednesday during a meeting with the company’s workers and management. “We are here with a clear mission to uncover the reasons behind Ajaokuta Steel’s non-operation after so many years. Our goal is to break this jinx and ensure the plant becomes fully operational,” Adegbonmire said.
Kanwai Joseph, the acting Chief Executive of Ajaokuta Steel, expressed appreciation for the committee’s focus on the plant. “We recognise the trust placed in us to manage national assets such as this steel plant, and we are committed to transparency and accountability. Although the plant has not been in production, we strive to operate with integrity, preserve this significant government investment, and deliver quality products when in operation.”
Joseph addressed concerns about allegations of mismanagement and corruption. “We understand that allegations of corruption and inefficiency are serious concerns. We assure you of our full cooperation during this investigation. You will have unrestricted access to our facilities and information, and our team is prepared to address any questions or concerns to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. We will begin by providing an overview of the company’s past, its current state, and the reasons for the present situation.”
The Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex, launched in 1979, was intended to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s industrialization, featuring a Metallurgical Process Plant, an Engineering Complex, and supporting infrastructure. The project was seen as pivotal in stimulating industrial and economic development.
Despite these ambitions, the plant has failed to produce a single sheet of steel since its inception. In August 2024, it was revealed that the Federal Government had paid N38.9 billion in salaries and allowances to workers over a 10-year period, despite the plant’s inactivity.
In September 2024, renewed efforts to revive the facility were set in motion when the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tyazhpromexport, the original builders of the plant. This agreement outlines plans for the rehabilitation, completion, and eventual operation of both Ajaokuta Steel and the National Iron Ore Mining Company.
The Senate committee’s investigation hopes to finally clear the hurdles that have kept the plant from fulfilling its long-awaited potential, marking a significant step toward Nigeria’s industrial future.