To correct some media outlets’ inaccurate narratives about the Ajaokuta Steel Plant’s alleged handover to a British entity, Minister of Mines and Steel Development Arc Olamilekan Adegbite stated that the federal government never indicated it was handing it over to a British firm for rehabilitation.
The minister emphasized that a local Nigerian company with a British partner had expressed interest in performing the TECHNICAL AUDIT for free and without conditions.
The federal government is in talks with a Russian firm called Messrs TPE (chosen by the Russian government) to do the technical audit, according to Adegbite in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by his S.A Media, Ayodeji Adeyemi.
The statement reads: “The war between Ukraine and Russia has caused a setback to the proposed plan. The minister noted that it was difficult to move forward with the Russian firm due to international sanctions placed on Russia, which has also impacted Russian firms and businesses.
“Meanwhile, a local company in partnership with a British company has offered to execute the technical audit at no cost to Nigeria and with no preconditions. This was what I said at the media parley at the state house and not that Ajaokuta would be handed over to a British company for rehabilitation.
” When the technical audit is completed, the result would be shared with all interested investors and potential partners interested in Ajaokuta Steel Plant resuscitation, which they would use to enter their submission bids.
“To ensure that the entire process is transparent, a firm was appointed in 2018 as Transaction Advisor. This firm has been revalidated by the BPP (Bureau of Public Procurement) and will guide and ensure a transparent due process in the selection of the eventual firm for Ajaokuta Steel restoration.
“The T.A will carry out all financial, environmental and technical due process to establish the successful firm and the mode of engagement. The various bids would then be ranked by the transaction advisor according to merits. “
“Adegbite noted that the outcome of the transaction advisors work would be taken to the Federal Executive Council for a robust discussion and eventual decision”, the statement further stated.
