The Senate has initiated an investigative panel to look into alleged corruption and inefficiency at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company in Kogi State, covering the period from 2008 to date.
The investigation aims to unravel the mystery behind the $496 million payment to Mr. Pramod Mittal, Chairman of Global Infrastructure Holdings Ltd, by the Federal Government in September 2022, and the circumstances leading to the re-concession of NIOMCO, even when it was validly terminated by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration with positive review by the International Chamber of Commerce, London.
These resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP Kogi Central, during plenary. To this end, Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire SAN, APC Ondo Central, is to be the chairman of the investigative panel while Senator Kawu Suleiman, NNPP Kano South, is to be the deputy chairman.
Other members of the committee are Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), Onawo Mohamed (Nasarawa South), Joel Onowakpa (Delta South), Sen Onyesoh Allwell Heacho (Rivers East) Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North), Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North), Tokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and Osita B. Izunaso (Imo West).
The committee is to report back to the Senate in two weeks. They are also to invite and interface with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and other critical stakeholders in the steel sector especially those with interest in Ajaokuta Steel Manufacturing Plant and NIOMCO to obtain relevant information.
The Senate is also urging the Federal Government to review policies and laws on steel development in Nigeria and adopt a strategic implementation plan. The move comes amid concerns over the management and operation of the companies, which have remained inoperative despite efforts by several administrations.