Group Backs Senate’s Move To Investigate Ajaokuta Steel Company

Group Backs Senate’s Move To Investigate Ajaokuta Steel Company

The Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEYGA), a non-governmental organization, has thrown its weight behind the Senate’s decision to investigate alleged corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASC), despite opposition from some traditional rulers in Kogi State.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, NEYGA’s spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Dan-Musa, emphasized that the petition against the Senate’s probe did not reflect the interests of Kogi State.

Dan-Musa recalled the motion moved by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) urging the Senate to probe alleged corruption and inefficiency at ASC and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe.

The motion sought an investigation into the $496 million reportedly paid to a third party by the Federal Government in September 2022 to resolve contractual disputes related to the moribund ASC.

The statement noted that while some traditional rulers in Kogi State opposed the probe, NEYGA believed that such critical issues should not be stifled.

Dan-Musa stressed that ASC belonged to all Nigerians and that no one should obstruct efforts to uncover the truth behind the company’s challenges.

He urged Nigerians to support Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s motion and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in managing national resources like ASC.

NEYGA also called on the Minister of Steel, Alhaji Shiabu Audu, to prioritize the revival of ASC and ensure the establishment of a competent management team to drive accountability and efficiency.

Dan-Musa concluded by asserting that the demand for accountability regarding the funds allocated to ASC was legitimate and necessary for attracting investor confidence in the company’s future prospects.