Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, on Sunday, announced that the ministry will be launching an investigation into the alleged breach of a board dissolution order against the National Steel Council (NSC) under its leadership.

As previously reported, a fact-finding committee was established on February 9, 2024, to carry out an investigation into these allegations.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s head of press and public relations, Salamatu Jibaniyt, Prince Adudu revealed that upon assuming his duties as minister, he was briefed about various existing issues between the National Steel Council and its governing board. After hearing from all parties involved, he decided to set up an investigation committee.

It is worth mentioning that recently, a group known as the Alliance for Credible Legislative Conducts (ACLC) called on the National Assembly to investigate the National Steel Council (NSC) for allegedly disregarding President Bola Tinubu’s directive to dissolve the boards of federal government agencies and parastatals.

In response to these allegations, the ministry dismissed them, stating that they are nothing more than an attempt by individuals with vested interests to undermine the Minister’s efforts.

According to the statement: “These allegations are just a mere ploy by some individuals with vested interests to sabotage the efforts of the Honourable Minister in repositioning the Steel and Metals Sector, and ensure due process is followed in investigating and resolving issues at the National Steel Council in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“Contrary to these allegations, the Honourable Minister of Steel Development upon assuming duty interfaced with the Executive Secretary of the Steel Council, charged with piloting the affairs of the NSC, a Council under his Ministry.

“The Honourable Minister received briefings on some allegations bordering on various issues that were on the ground between the National Steel Council and its Governing Board before he assumed duty.

“The report of the fact-finding committee was submitted to the Honourable Minister on March 25, 2024 for his review and consideration. The Honourable Minister is currently studying the report before taking necessary actions.

“These briefings, investigations, and meetings are not prejudice to the Presidential Directive with circular ref. No. SGF.19/S.81/XX/108 of June 16, 2023, dissolving all Boards of Federal Government parastatals, Agencies, Institutions and Government-owned Companies, except those listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Honourable Minister of Steel Development is fully committed to turning around the economy through industrialization of which the Steel sector is a key component as envisioned through the creation of the new Ministry of Steel Development under the Administration and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.”