By; JOSHUA IYOKPO EGBODO, Abuja.
A sub-panel of the House of Representatives Committee on Privatization, has summoned the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi to appear before it next Thursday to clarify the signing of a concession agreement by Global Steel Company, on the National Iron Mining Company (NAIMCO).
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole in his remark at the adjourned investigative hearing Thursday, explained that “the essence of the hearing is to ascertain the legality of a re-concession agreement which was initially rejected by past government”, questioning the reason behind BPE’s non involvement in the entire process.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the House Committee on Privatization, Hon. Ahmed Yerima said “we should not be repeating the mistakes done by past governments”.
Acting Director General of BPE, Vincent Akpontaire, represented by Dikko Abdullahi corroborated with the sub committee’s argument and reiterated that no communication regarding the concession agreement of NAIMCO got to them while carrying out the deal.
National President, Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Otori Saliu in his submissions before the committee, advised that the meeting be postponed due to the absence of the Minister and other key stakeholders concerned, a suggestion that panel later accepted.
Also, Executive Secretary General, African Iron and Steel Association, Sanusi Mohammed said the agreement should be nullified considering the fact that due process was not complied with.
Chairman, Iron and Steel Development Company and Nigerian Society of Engineers, Prof. David Esezobor also decried the agreement and reminded the committee that functional infrastructure in other Steel company bought by the concerned company are yet to put things in place, and its obligations in the payment of staff emoluments are also not redeemed.
