Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Engr. Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, has stepped down amid an ongoing probe by the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
This development comes after a memo dated October 14, 2024, revealed his resignation.
General Manager of Engineering Works, Engr. Kanwai Atungs Joseph, will oversee the company’s affairs until a new Sole Administrator is appointed.
EFCC began the probe following a petition from the Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council (NENYLC) in September, alleging corrupt practices and mismanagement under Abdul-Akaba’s leadership.
The group cited widespread allegations of job racketeering, kickbacks, inflated contracts, and diversion of funds meant for the company.
Critics have long argued that having a Sole Administrator for 12 years created an environment conducive to corruption, as there was no one to check the administrator’s excesses.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also demanded a thorough investigation into the reported mismanagement, urging President Bola Tinubu to take action.
The Senate has similarly expressed concerns about the management structure at Ajaokuta Steel Complex, highlighting the need for a comprehensive probe.
