Demanding a comprehensive probe into the dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company, the Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide (NENYLCW) urged for presidential intervention.
In Abuja, representatives from various ethnic youth groups nationwide gathered for a press conference organized by the youth leaders.
Present at the press conference were notable figures including Comrade Terry Obeih, President General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders/NENYLCW; Alhaji Balarabe Rufai, President of the Northern Youth Council/Vice President of NENYLCW; Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide/Publicity Secretary of NENYLCW; Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, President of the Middle-Belt Youth Council/Organising Secretary of NENYLCW; and Alhaji Hamisu Dass, President of the North-East Youth Assembly/Treasurer of NENYLCW.
The youth leaders emphasized the recurring challenges faced by the Ajaokuta Steel Company, despite previous administration efforts to revive this national asset.
Expressing concerns over what they described as “economic sabotage, lack of transparency in contract agreements, and irregular employment practices,” the youths underscored the importance of a thorough investigation into the company’s affairs.
They commended the Nigerian Senate for initiating a probe last year and urged the committee in charge to diligently fulfill its mandate in the national interest.
The youth leaders also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to driving economic growth through industrialization, which they believe will combat unemployment and youth restiveness.
Acknowledging the efforts of individuals like Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, in pushing for the revival of the Ajaokuta steel company, the youth leaders stressed the vital role of the steel industry in national development across various sectors.
As part of their “Renewed Hope Agenda,” the youth leaders outlined a series of actions they believe are necessary to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and ensure proper management and accountability.
They called for an immediate audit of the company’s workforce, an examination of the company’s payroll, and the cessation of appointing a Sole Administrator in favor of establishing a competent management team and board.
Additionally, they urged regulatory bodies like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the company’s financial management over the past two decades.
The youth leaders emphasized the need for transparency in partnership agreements and highlighted concerns about the involvement of external parties in the company’s operations.
Furthermore, they pledged to engage with relevant authorities, expose any malpractice, and mobilize support for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company through advocacy and potential national protests if necessary.