Emmanuel lkpeama
A civic advocacy group, Frontier for Transparency (FFT), has raised concerns over the dismissal of workers at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, faulting the process through which the decision was made.
While the group acknowledged that allegations of theft and misconduct are serious and warrant disciplinary action, it emphasized that due process was not followed.
In a press statement on Tuesday 4, November 2025,issued in Abuja and signed by its spokesman, Comrade Abdullahi Adams,FFT stressed that adherence to due process is a fundamental right that must be respected in all disciplinary actions.
“While the allegations of theft are weighty and deserve appropriate disciplinary measures, the process adopted in dismissing the affected staff didn’t comply with the Federal Civil Service Commission’s (FCSC) rules. Doing the right thing the wrong way violates the principle of justice and due process”, the statement read.
The group noted that the management of Ajaokuta Steel failed to obtain ministerial approval and did not follow the formal disciplinary procedure required before a dismissal can take effect.
The group described the action as “a breach of administrative protocol” and “an unnecessary dent on the integrity of the system.”
“Summary dismissal must still follow due process”, the statement continued. “Every allegation must be investigated, queries issued, and reports submitted to the appropriate authorities for approval. Anything short of this is a violation of the rules governing the federal civil service”.
They also demanded that the affected workers be reinstated pending a thorough investigation and adherence to due process.
FFT also called on the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and the Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam to review the circumstances surrounding the dismissals.
“We acknowledge that these incidents predated the appointment of Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam, but we believe his leadership provides a fresh opportunity to restore fairness, discipline, and transparency at Ajaokuta Steel,” the group noted.»
FFT went further to commend the appointment of Prof. Nasir Naeem Abdulsalam as Managing Director, describing him as a man of integrity and competence,whose tenure, it believes, will restore order and confidence in one of Nigeria’s most strategic industrial assets.
The group expressed confidence that the new management will restore transparency, accountability, and fairness at Ajaokuta Steel.
“We’re confident that the Honourable Minister and the new Managing Director will handle this issue with fairness and transparency, ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done,” the statement added.
Investigator news reports that the group’s stance underscores the importance of upholding institutional integrity and respecting the rights of workers.
By demanding that due process be followed, FFT is advocating for a fair and just workplace culture at Ajaokuta Steel.
