CSO Petitions NASS Over NIOMCO and Premium Steel Deal

The civil society organization, Public Accountability and Transparency International, submitted a petition to the House of Representatives concerning the Sub-Lease and Operation Agreement between the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) and Premium Steel and Mines Limited, dated August 20, 2026. This prompted the House Committee on Steel Development, chaired by Hon. Zainab Gimba, to initiate a preliminary investigation into the transaction and related procurement issues involving the Federal Ministry of Steel Development.

The committee's investigation is based on Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and Order 17 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives. The petition raised concerns about the agreement's compliance with procurement procedures and its implications for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

The committee requested relevant documents, including the NIOMCO-Premium Steel agreement and procurement documents related to Ajaokuta, to be submitted within seven days, warning that non-compliance could lead to summons of officials.