The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate an immediate investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company.
NANS President, Lucky Emonefe, emphasized the importance of holding accountable all individuals involved in the mismanagement of the company.
Emonefe highlighted the potential of the steel plant to create significant employment opportunities for Nigerian students upon completion, as well as its role as a technology hub for engineering students across the country.
He called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch thorough investigations into the management of the steel company.
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This call comes following the Senate’s resolution in February to probe the affairs of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Ore Mining Company in Kogi State since 2008.
The Senate also aimed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the payment of $496m to Mr. Pramod Mittal, Chairman of Global Infrastructure Holdings Limited, by the Federal Government in September 2022, as well as the re-concession of NIOMCO despite the termination of the initial concession agreement.
Emonefe expressed concern over the lack of accountability for those responsible for the mismanagement of Ajaokuta Steel Company.
He criticized the failure to investigate and punish individuals implicated in mismanagement and corruption, warning against setting a precedent that could hinder President Tinubu’s efforts to revitalize the steel plant.
The NANS president emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who have unlawfully benefited from the mismanagement of Ajaokuta Steel Company, urging investigative agencies to remain steadfast despite any attempts at intimidation or shielding of corrupt individuals.
