Don’t lie to Nigerians’ | ‘I take exception’ — Natasha Akpoti, steel minister clash over Ajaokuta

A heated exchange broke out on Wednesday between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, and Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development, during a joint sitting of the senate and house of representatives on the 2026 budget defence for the mines and steel sector.

The session, chaired by Patrick Ndubueze, senator representing Imo north, focused on funding and plans for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the federal government’s commitment to resuscitating the steel plant, arguing that its funding requirements were modest when compared with other major national projects.

She cited the proposed coastal road project, estimated at N15 trillion, saying the amount was about seven times what Ajaokuta Steel required.

“If we are serious as a country, we will get the funds either way,” she said.

The senator criticised what she described as repeated discussions without concrete action, noting that several years into the current administration, the government was still debating the appropriate model for reviving the steel plant.

She also referred to a 2019 bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Russia, under which about $1.45 billion was reportedly pledged for Ajaokuta, stressing that government policies should not be abandoned with every change in administration.

“There is continuity in ministry,” she said.

Tension rose when Akpoti-Uduaghan warned the minister against misleading Nigerians over the status of the Russia-backed agreement.

“We should not lie to Nigerians,” she said.

Audu immediately objected to the remark.

“We are not lying to Nigerians. I take exception to that,” the minister responded.

Explaining why the agreement had stalled, Audu said international sanctions imposed on Russia had made the transaction impossible.

“The Russian government is under heavy sanctions in the international financial market, so the transaction would not move forward,” he said.

He added that thorough due diligence had been conducted on all parties involved before the memorandum of understanding was signed.

As Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to ask further questions, Ndubueze adjourned the session.

“Distinguished, let’s call it a day,” the chairman said.

The Kogi senator protested the decision, saying she had been disrespected, but Ndubueze insisted she would have the opportunity to ask more questions during an investigative hearing.

Audu later took a bow and left the committee room.