Reps Investigate NIOMCO-Premium Steel Agreement Breaches

The House of Representatives Committee on Steel Development has initiated a preliminary investigation into the sub-lease and operation agreement between the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) and Premium Steel and Mines Limited. This investigation was prompted by a petition from the civil society organization, Public Accountability & Transparency International, dated August 20, 2026, which raised concerns about potential breaches of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, by the Federal Ministry of Steel Development and its agencies.

The committee, chaired by Zainab Gimba, disclosed the investigation in a letter dated September 10, 2026, to the Minister of Steel Development. The petition alleges that iron ore intended for the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited was improperly concessioned to an Indian company, raising questions about the Federal Government's efforts to revive Ajaokuta under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The committee aims to determine if proper approvals and statutory procedures were followed before executing the agreement and is also investigating other alleged breaches of the Public Procurement Act related to contracts awarded by the ministry.