A tense exchange broke out on Wednesday between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, and Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, during a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives committee on mines and steel development.
The disagreement occurred at the ministry’s budget defence session, where lawmakers examined funding provisions and policy direction for the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
Dispute Over Government Commitment
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the federal government’s commitment to reviving the long-dormant steel plant, comparing its funding requirements with those of other large-scale infrastructure projects.
She cited the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, estimated to cost N15 trillion, noting that the amount needed to revive Ajaokuta was significantly lower.
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According to the senator, adequate funding would be provided if the government were truly committed to restoring the steel complex.
She also criticised what she described as repeated discussions without concrete action, lamenting that several years into Audu’s tenure, the ministry was still debating the appropriate model to move the project forward. ‘Don’t Lie to Nigerians’ Remark Sparks Tension
‘Don’t Lie to Nigerians’ Remark Sparks Tension
Tempers flared when Akpoti-Uduaghan cautioned the minister against misleading Nigerians about the status of the Ajaokuta project and past agreements.
Audu immediately objected to the remark, insisting that neither he nor the ministry had misrepresented facts to the public.
Responding to concerns about the stalled 2019 bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Russia, under which $1.45 billion was reportedly pledged, Audu said international sanctions on Russia had hindered the transaction.
He added that the government had carried out due diligence on all parties involved before signing the memorandum of understanding, including reviews conducted through the foreign ministry.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to ask further questions, the committee chairman, Patrick Ndubueze, adjourned the session, saying further enquiries could be addressed at a later investigative hearing.
The minister subsequently exited the committee room, bringing the session to an end.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
