The struggle to revive the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company is ongoing, yet one might wonder if the community is truly interested in its restoration or if there’s complacency regarding its current state. A few months ago, a motion was raised in the Senate to establish an ad-hoc committee aimed at investigating corruption within the complex and identifying the factors that stalled previous revival efforts. Surprisingly, some individuals from the host community criticized the motion, which one would have expected to receive their full support.
The ad-hoc committee was eventually formed, and the hearings are now in progress. As with any investigative process, panel members raise issues that require clarification from the invited parties. Some questions may appear accusatory or even inaccurate, but the individuals being questioned are expected to provide clarifications and set the record straight. The issues discussed during the investigation are typically not meant for public consumption until all concerns are thoroughly addressed.
Despite the committee’s ongoing work, a press release has already surfaced online, raising unnecessary alarm. One wonders why a press release was necessary when the person in question had the opportunity to address any concerns directly during the hearing. This release seems to reflect a fear of potential revelations, possibly leading to a staff audit. However, there is no reason to fear if the company’s employees are genuinely earning their wages, even in the absence of production—similar to the situation at NNPC refineries, where workers receive significant salaries without refining a single drop of crude oil.
Did Senator Natasha make an incorrect statement? Her remarks about personnel costs in the 2024 budget were merely hypothetical, and her reference to a “10-man workforce” was figurative, highlighting that only a handful of workers are present at the complex during working hours.
It’s surprising that the workers’ union has chosen to focus its energy and resources on addressing a hypothetical question, which could have been easily clarified, rather than concentrating on more pressing issues affecting workers’ welfare. These issues include:
- The condition of service for workers
- The implementation of the approved CONRAISS salary structure, which has been pending since July 10, 2010
- The unhygienic and bushy environment where workers are expected to live and work
With a ₦4.2 billion personnel cost for 1,627 workers, the average monthly salary comes to around ₦215,000. However, only workers in the Assistant Directorate cadre and above currently earn this amount under the existing salary structure. Are the union leaders suggesting that junior staff are also earning ₦215,000 per month? Have they forgotten the hierarchical structure of the workforce? The union should focus on critical issues rather than doing the bidding of a few greedy individuals.
Indeed, workers in a fully operational company like Ajaokuta Steel would earn much more. If the complex were active, it would employ thousands, not just the 1,627 workers currently on the payroll. It’s unacceptable to allocate ₦4.2 billion for personnel costs while only ₦57 million is set aside for capital projects in the annual budget for a mega project like Ajaokuta Steel.
The living and working conditions of steelworkers should be comparable to those of oil workers globally. Consider the conditions of NNPC, NDDC, CBN, and FIRS workers. These should be the priorities for the workers’ union, not hypothetical figures of workers present during working hours.
A purposeful management team can drive an organization to success. Numerous defunct enterprises have been revived through dedicated and effective leadership. The push for establishing a proper management team at Ajaokuta Steel is crucial for the company’s efficient operation, benefiting all stakeholders, not just a few individuals with selfish interests. Elsewhere, workers’ unions typically advocate for the proper management of their organizations. The union at Ajaokuta Steel should also support the establishment of a robust management system and actively participate in the revival efforts unless they are being manipulated by external influences.
The revival of Ajaokuta Steel, popularly known as Ajasteel, is in the best interest of the country, the host state, the host community, and the workers. All stakeholders must join forces on this Revival Train. Let’s put personal interests aside and work together to identify and address the obstacles that have kept Ajaokuta Steel Company from becoming operational. This is an investment we cannot afford to let deteriorate. May we not be the ones to destroy what was built for us.
– Dr. Adams Ozovehe Zubair
