A tense confrontation unfolded during a joint sitting of the National Assembly’s committees on mines and steel development, as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, and Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, traded sharp words over the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.
The exchange occurred at the budget defence session chaired by Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo North, where discussions centred on funding strategies and policy direction for the long-stalled steel project.
Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the federal government’s commitment to reviving Ajaokuta, arguing that the country had demonstrated capacity to fund large-scale infrastructure projects.
Referencing the proposed coastal road project, she noted that its projected cost far exceeds the estimated requirements for Ajaokuta’s rehabilitation.
“If we are serious as a country, we will get the funds either which way,” the senator said, while criticising what she described as repeated discussions without measurable progress.
She further raised concerns about the lack of continuity in government policy, citing a 2019 bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Russia reportedly involving $1.45 billion for the steel plant’s revival.
According to her, changes in administration should not derail prior commitments.
Tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan warned against misleading the public regarding the status of the Russia-backed arrangement.
“We should not lie to Nigerians,” she said.
Audu immediately pushed back, rejecting the suggestion.
“We are not lying to Nigerians. I take exception to that,” the minister responded.
Addressing the stalled agreement, Audu attributed the difficulties to international sanctions affecting Russia, stating that the prevailing global financial restrictions had hindered progress on the transaction.
He maintained that the ministry had carried out extensive due diligence before entering into agreements connected to the steel project.
“These are not just small entities. Due diligence was conducted through the appropriate channels, including the foreign ministry,” Audu said.
Efforts by the senator to continue her line of questioning were halted when Ndubueze adjourned the session, citing time constraints.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, describing it as disrespectful, while the chairman insisted she would have an opportunity to ask further questions at a subsequent investigative hearing.
The minister later exited the committee room following the adjournment.
The Ajaokuta Steel Company, a decades-old industrial project, remains one of Nigeria’s most debated economic assets, with successive governments pledging revival efforts amid persistent funding and policy challenges.
