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Ajaokuta Steel: Senate probes $496m paid as settlement to contractor

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Ajaokuta Steel: Senate probes $496m paid as settlement to contractor

 

The Senate has set up a committee to investigate the $496m paid by the Federal Government to the Chairman of Global Infrastructure Holdings Limited (GINL) in September 2022 as settlement for the contractual disputes on Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASL).

The Senate also directed the committee to look into the affairs of Ajaokuta Steel and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) from 2008 to date.

It resolved to summon relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and other critical stakeholders in the steel sector, especially those with interest in Ajaokuta Steel Manufacturing Plant and NIOMCO “to obtain relevant information and submit a comprehensive report to the Senate regarding the affairs of the two plants between 2008 to date”.

The Senate asked the Federal Government to review extant policies and laws on steel development in the country.

These came following the adoption of a motion, titled: “Urgent need to investigate alleged incidences of corruption and inefficiency at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) located in Kogi State,” sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).

She expressed optimism that the investigation would uncover the circumstances that led to the re-concession of NIOMCO.

The Kogi central senator said the initial concession agreement was validly terminated by the Umar Musa Yar’Adua administration.

According to her, the Federal Government set up Ajaokuta Steel and NIOMCO in the late 1970s to establish Nigeria as a leading steel exporter but have been inoperative for decades due to a lack of political will and bureaucratic corruption.

Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled that since 1994, when the Tyazhpromexport (TPE) exited the Ajaokuta Steel over allegation that Nigeria did not discharge fully its financial obligation to the agreement, the Ajaokuta Steel was reportedly at 98 per cent completion yet has remained inoperative.

The Kogi Central senator also said that sometime in 2001, Nigeria’s hope to have the Ajaokuta Steel Plant completed and put into operation was rekindled, following the signing of a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and the Russian Federation.

She said the hope was dashed, following the surreptitious concessions of NIOMCO and ASCL in June 2003 to “unqualified” Solgas Energy Limited, a company she described as lacking the financial and technical expertise to handle the project.

She said it was discovered that the company had never been in the ore and steel business.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the concession of ASCL and NIOMCO complexes contradicted the recommendation of the House fo Representatives Committee on Steel in 2004.

She said, “After reviewing the Inuwa Magaji Administrative Panel of Enquiry Report on the late President Yar’Adua, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) unanimously terminated the concession agreement on April 2, 2008.

“The termination was due to the operations of ASCL, NIOMCO, and Delta Steel mills, as well as breach of agreement and unwholesome practices.

“Additionally, the concession agreement was found to be unpatriotically skewed in favour of GINL.

“The House of Representatives had conducted an investigation into the Iron and Steel sector in 2018 with far-reaching resolutions aimed at resuscitating the ASCL and NIOMCO steel mills.

“However, the Federal Government either ignored these resolutions or has not implemented them yet. Many steel-producing countries are disturbed by the $253 million organised economic crimes in India.

“Additionally, GSHL’s Pramod Mittal is notorious for engaging in questionable business activities, such as embezzlement and asset-stripping in countries like Bulgaria, the Philippines, Libya, Bosnia, Zimbabwe, Montenegro, Serbia, and many more.

“In Bosnia, Pramod Mittal, who is associated with GSHL, was arrested and charged with organised crime. Additionally, GSHL’s management workers were jailed for economic crimes.

“However, it seems that Nigeria has fallen victim to Mittal’s sharp contract fraud yet again, in relation to the payout of $496 million in 2022.

“This is not the first time, as Nigeria previously conceded NIOMCO to the same GINL in August 2016. Unfortunately, these fraudulent activities are facilitated by unpatriotic Nigerians who hold trusted government position.”

She also said, “It is disheartening to note that Nigeria is currently spending approximately $3.3 billion annually on importing steel, despite having abundant natural ore resources.

“This is because the Ajaokuta and Delta Steel plants, which could have served as valuable assets to the nation, are in a state of disrepair. These plants have become channels for the misappropriation of public funds, which is a huge burden on Nigerian taxpayers.

“I am concerned about the management structure at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex. It appears that a Sole Administrator has been making all decisions regarding the company’s affairs for the past 12 years without any input from others.

“This has led to increased inefficiencies at the company. Recently, President Bola Tinubu questioned the N33 billion electricity debt.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin gave the ad hoc committee four weeks to submit its report.

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Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2 

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Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2 

 

Abuja is set for a taste of rugged luxury as Jetour Nigeria puts its adventure-ready T2 SUV in the spotlight at the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, giving motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to test its blend of off-road capability, premium comfort and advanced technology.

The three-day showcase at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, will feature test drives, live demonstrations and direct interaction with Jetour product specialists, offering prospective buyers a closer look at the T2 and other models in the automaker’s growing Nigerian line-up.

Positioned as a premium SUV combining off-road capability with comfort and advanced technology, the Jetour T2 is designed for motorists seeking a vehicle capable of handling both city driving and challenging terrain.

Jetour Nigeria is distributing the T2 and other models via its seven accredited dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Tab Autos Limited.

The T 2 SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent four-wheel-drive system.

It also features five driving modes — Eco, Sport, Mud, Rock and X Smart — designed to provide improved adaptability across different road and terrain conditions.

Measuring 4,758mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers 220mm ground clearance and a 70-litre fuel tank, giving it the capability for extended journeys and off-road adventures.

Inside the cabin, the T2 combines rugged styling with modern comfort, featuring ergonomic seating and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and intelligent voice control.

Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Anti-lock Braking System and Emergency Brake Assist.

The SUV also comes with off-road crawl control as well as push-button and remote-start functions.

The Abuja experience follows Jetour Nigeria’s recent showcase in Lagos as the automaker continues to expand its presence and customer reach across the country.

With its combination of performance, technology, safety and luxury, the Jetour T2 is expected to attract motorists seeking an SUV capable of combining everyday urban mobility with adventure and off-road driving.

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NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

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NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

Thousands of Nigerian air passengers faced delays in August as domestic airlines struggled to keep to their scheduled flight times.

Now, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is taking regulatory steps that could lead to sanctions against airlines responsible for persistent delays.

The regulator’s August data showed that 4,765 of 7,961 scheduled domestic flights were delayed. In other words, nearly 60 per cent of the flights did not leave as scheduled.

Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines recorded some of the highest delay rates, with 71 per cent and 76 per cent of their flights respectively affected.

NCAA Warns Airlines

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said that the regulator had already engaged some of the airlines involved.

According to him, the NCAA met with Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air and issued stern warnings over their operations.

The authority is now weighing further regulatory measures as the problem continues to affect passengers.

Achimugu also urged travellers to consider other airlines when repeated delays make a particular carrier unreliable.

When one airline is continuously misbehaving, buy tickets on another airline and make your flight” he said.

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Passenger Rights Put Enforcement Under Spotlight

However, aviation consultant Capt. John Ojikutu believes the recurring problem exposes a wider weakness in the sector.

Ojikutu said Nigeria has regulations intended to protect air travellers, but questioned how consistently those rules are enforced.

The regulation is there to protect the customer. What is the enforcement?” he said.

He noted that passengers can report violations to the appropriate authorities. But, in his view, regulators must follow up on those complaints with meaningful action.

The aviation expert also recalled experiencing severe delays himself.

He said he once travelled to Abuja and passengers had to board an aircraft three times before another plane was brought in to complete the journey.

The disruption, he said, left him returning to Lagos considerably later than expected.

Are Airlines Planning Their Routes Properly?

Ojikutu also linked the industry’s problems to the way some airlines plan their operations.

He questioned the number of carriers competing on the Lagos-Abuja route, particularly when several airlines operate multiple flights each day.

His argument is that airlines should first establish the level of passenger demand before selecting routes, aircraft sizes and flight frequencies.

According to him, deploying aircraft capable of carrying more than 100 passengers without sufficient demand can put additional financial pressure on an airline.

He therefore advised carriers to consider routes with enough passengers but less competition.

Smaller Aircraft Could Serve Regional Routes

Ojikutu said the industry could also learn from the operational model used by the former Nigerian Airways.

He recalled that the airline used larger aircraft on major routes while smaller planes connected regional destinations to major airports.

He suggested that modern carriers could adopt a similar approach by connecting cities such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Jos and Minna to larger aviation hubs.

Rather than having every airline compete directly on major routes, he said carriers could develop regional networks that feed passengers into bigger airports.

He also called for more airlines to establish bases outside Lagos.

According to him, encouraging operations in other parts of the country could reduce the heavy concentration of airlines in Lagos and create stronger regional connections.

Concern Over Airline Survival

Ojikutu further questioned the short lifespan of many Nigerian airlines.

He attributed part of the problem to weak business planning and argued that airlines should present credible, sustainable plans before receiving regulatory approval to operate.

The latest development therefore puts both airlines and the aviation regulator under scrutiny, as passengers continue to deal with delays despite existing rules designed to protect them.

NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays

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Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

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Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

Workers’ unions and fuel sellers appeal to the government to protect families from soaring transportation and food costs.

Fuel stations across Nigeria have raised the price of petrol to as high as ₦1,500 per litre, creating fresh financial strain for working people, small business operators, and families. Across cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Damaturu, and Sokoto, drivers and commercial riders now pay higher rates at the pump, while stations in central and southern communities also report steady increases.

Because transportation costs directly influence the price of everyday essentials, bus drivers and tricycle operators have raised passenger fares to cover their fuel bills. As a result, parents and commuters face steeper daily travel expenses and rising grocery bills.

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To address this pressure, the Nigeria Labour Congress urged federal authorities to step in quickly with practical relief measures. These proposals include providing cost-of-living allowances to workers, ensuring local refineries can purchase crude oil directly in local currency, and using surplus oil earnings to keep pump prices affordable.

At the same time, fuel sellers warned that pump prices could rise even further if international oil markets remain volatile. Retail associations noted that recent wholesale adjustments from local refineries have increased costs for station owners, who must pay more to restock their tanks.

To keep fuel affordable for the general public, union leaders and station operators are encouraging the government to reduce shipping and regulatory fees, helping ensure that reliable energy remains accessible to every community across the country.

Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action

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