“Ghost Projects or Genuine Concerns? Steel Ministry Responds to Allegations”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwa, has swiftly responded to accusations of budgetary mismanagement, rejecting allegations made by members of the National Assembly. These accusations, which involve accusations of “ghost projects” and procurement irregularities in the Ministry’s 2024 budget, have been hotly debated.
In a statement released Friday, Isokpunwa clarified that the Ministry has faced significant financial limitations that have hindered the full execution of planned projects. He expressed bewilderment at the source of these allegations, firmly stating that the Ministry adheres to the strict rules and guidelines governing budget implementation.
“As a Federal Government ministry, we operate within the bounds of established rules and principles,” Isokpunwa said. “No staff member in my Ministry would act outside the framework of public service goals.”
Isokpunwa further emphasized that the Ministry has strictly adhered to the Federal Government’s strategy and implementation plans, ensuring compliance with all necessary budgetary protocols. He reassured the public of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and integrity in all its financial dealings.
These statements came in response to concerns raised by the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Steel Development during its recent review of the Ministry’s 2024 budget. The committee flagged potential breaches of procurement laws and questioned the validity of certain projects overseen by the Ministry.
“Ghost Projects or Genuine Concerns? Steel Ministry Responds to Allegations”
The Joint Committee on Steel Development, co-chaired by Zainab Gimba, called for a forensic audit of the Ministry’s finances, citing what they described as “ghost projects” designed to siphon off public funds. In particular, Gimba highlighted discrepancies in the 2024 budget submission, noting the lack of evidence for several alleged “capacity-building programs” and “skills training initiatives” in the steel sector.
“These projects appear to lack any real execution or measurable impact,” Gimba said during the Ministry’s 2025 budget defense. She pointed out the disproportionate rise in administrative and recurrent costs without corresponding increases in the Ministry’s activities, suggesting potential mismanagement of funds.
The committee also raised concerns about legal violations, claiming that the Ministry’s projects did not align with the mandates of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which calls for efficient use of public resources. The committee also pointed out issues related to Ajaokuta Steel, which failed to meet the expected standards for fiscal accountability.
“Dr. Isokpunwa Refutes National Assembly’s Claims of Procurement Violations”
Dr. Isokpunwa was quick to address these accusations, categorically denying any financial misconduct. In his statement, he emphasized that the Ministry of Steel Development continues to meet its responsibilities with integrity and has consistently complied with the relevant legal frameworks for budget execution.
Isokpunwa reassured both the public and the National Assembly that his Ministry’s operations remain transparent and above board. “We follow the laws to the letter,” he said, asserting that the Ministry’s spending aligns with all federal budgetary regulations.
“Budget Showdown: Steel Ministry Stands Firm Against Allegations of Misallocation”
As tensions rise between the National Assembly and the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Isokpunwa’s defiant response underscores the ongoing struggle to balance oversight with fiscal autonomy. With the Joint Committee pushing for a forensic audit and allegations of fraudulent projects lingering, the Ministry faces a significant challenge in proving that it is both effective and responsible in its budget implementation.
Despite these challenges, Isokpunwa stands firm in defending the Ministry’s actions, confident that a thorough review will vindicate the integrity of its operations.
