Minister of Steel Development Abubakar Audu has announced that the long-awaited technical audit of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited will commence in February 2025.
Speaking before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Steel Development yesterday in Abuja, Audu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to reviving the steel plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) in Kogi State.
The technical audit, crucial for rehabilitating and completing the steel project, follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2024 with Tyazhpromexport, the plant’s original builders, and their consortium members, Novostal M and Proforce Manufacturing Limited.
During the session, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, pressed the minister for a clear timeline on the project’s progress, emphasising the need to address delays.
“We are now approaching the end of January. When will the technical audit start? We need to tackle this project wholesomely, starting with the audit, to enable the repairs to commence immediately,” she said.
In response, the minister acknowledged the concerns and directed the permanent secretary, Dr Chris Osa-Isokpunwu, to provide updates.
Osa-Isokpunwu explained that after signing the MoU, the ministry initiated the procurement process, including seeking a “no objection” certificate from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). However, the certificate, submitted two months ago, is yet to be issued.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed dissatisfaction with the delays, prompting the minister to admit the ministry’s shortcomings and pledge to expedite the process.
“The speed at which we are going through the process of getting the ‘no objection’ from BPP is too slow,” he said. “We will ramp up efforts to ensure the certificate is secured by the end of January.”
Audu assured Nigerians that the ministry would intensify its efforts to ensure the project proceeds without further delays.
“The technical audit is crucial to Nigerians, and I will continue to pressure the permanent secretary and other officials to fast-track this process,” he said.
