By Mercy Adewunmi
The Nigerian Senate has rejected the presentation of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, citing poor presentation as the reason for their decision.
During a one-day public hearing on Alleged incidences of corruption and inefficiency in Ajaokuta steel company limited and national iron ore mining company, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee, expressed disappointment with the lack of depth in the ministry’s presentation. As a result, the Senate rejected their submissions and requested a more elaborate report to be submitted by Monday.
Senator Natasha Akpoti also criticized the ministry for disregarding the Senate’s request for a summary and elaborate reports. She noted that the ministry only provided a brief three-page summary instead of a comprehensive report.
Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Isokpunwu explained that he had just assumed office the day before the hearing and asked Director of Steel, Mr. Umar Adamu, to address the committee’s specific requests in the presentation.
Despite Mr. Adamu’s attempt to address the committee’s concerns, the presentation was ultimately rejected by the Senate. The ministry has been instructed to return with a more detailed report to address the issues at hand.
