The recent call for a probe by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan into the issues of corruption surrounding the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company comes as an unwanted hindrance. While the goodwill behind the call is acknowledged, there are hurdles that should be left untouched.
The Kogi Central Senatorial District is home to these neglected national resources, the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company. These two giants have been left to deteriorate after the military administration of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari halted construction, citing managerial challenges and corruption as reasons for the suspension.
Now, over four decades later, these once thriving projects have been reduced to nothing more than a colossal scrap heap. Promises of revitalization have been made, often used as a political tool to garner votes from the communities that host these facilities.
It is highly commendable that the current government, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has decided to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company project. However, I believe that the call for a probe, as proposed by Senator Natasha Akpoti, should not hinder this goodwill. Even if we agree to a probe, several important questions arise:
1. Who should we be probing? Should we investigate those involved in the project’s construction over the past four decades? Many of them, such as Late President Shehu Shagari and Paul Unongo (the Minister of steel at that time), who may have the answers we seek, have passed away (may their souls rest in peace).
2. Should we investigate the succeeding administrations that used Ajaokuta as a campaign tool and nothing more?
3. Should we investigate government officials, both past and present?
4. Should we investigate the international and local politics, as well as lobbying gimmicks played by some stakeholders and self-serving individuals?
Considering all these factors, it is clear that a probe would only waste time and sabotage the project without yielding any tangible results. Forty years have already been lost, and it is time for us to face the truth and reality of the situation.
Instead of chasing after irrelevant matters and focusing on probing past failures, we should focus on creating a forward-looking mindset, insisting on solutions rather than dwelling on past mistakes. We should push for the immediate resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and provide our full support to the government in fulfilling their promises and also promote a proactive approach to address the issues faced by Ajaokuta Steel Company and move towards its successful completion and cooperation.
I fully agree that the host communities should be included in the decision-making process. This can be achieved through proper channels, including dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.
Senator Natasha Akpoti needs to understand that representing the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District comes with great responsibility. One of these responsibilities is engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders, including our Traditional, Religious, and Academic representatives, among others. The people will not tolerate unilateral decisions, as they are weary of endless probes, committee reviews, and visitations without action(s).
We need Ajaokuta Steel and Itakpe Iron Ore to work. This has been our desire for over four decades, and we are tired of the non-yielding back and forth that we have suffered. However, we fear that this call for a probe may go down the same way as past ones, and Ajasteel will remain in a ramshackle state.
Therefore, we implore our Senator to join hands with the people of the Central Senatorial District to encourage the government to achieve the following:
Liaise with the government and relevant agencies to determine the most effective approach for reviving and completing the Ajasteel company and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Project, ensuring they become operational.
Invite capable hands and firms who are willing to undertake the overhaul and completion of Ajasteel and Itakpe Iron Ore, utilizing the latest technological advancements in the iron and steel manufacturing sector.
These actions will guarantee positive and promising steps towards Nigeria’s industrialization, placing emphasis on the need for immediate action and collaboration to revive the company and harness its potential for economic growth and job creation.
I wholeheartedly agree with the Ebira Traditional Council’s request that Senator Natasha should channel her request for a probe of Ajasteel to support for Ajasteel resuscitation.
I also support the council’s call for the Senator to always reach out to the leaders (traditional, religious, executives) and people of Kogi Central Senatorial District to discuss our wants and needs.
Wishing the Senator well and hope that she listens to good reasoning.
We are better united.
– Salami Anne Aminat writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
anneaminatsalami@gmail.com
